Expert answer

Hi FD,

We can't see why it should unless there's something wrong with it or its alternator.

If you have a problem come back to us and we should be able to help.

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

The two-wheel drive 2.2 D-4D 150 emits 156g/km, which puts it in Band D. That's €481 per annum. The same engine with four-wheel drive costs the same with 159g/km.

Go for the automatic version with four-wheel drive and emissions rise to 186g/km, with motor tax costing €677 per year - Band E.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

Basically: no; this car has so far proven to be very reliable. Some people don't get on with the DSG automatic, though there are aftermarket experts that'll recalibrate it for you. Also, brake wear can be high so check for that, tyre condition and that it has been properly serviced.

Enjoy!

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

We assume you mean the latest Mercedes-Benz E 200 BlueEfficiency. With the seven-speed automatic gearbox this uses 6.5- to 6.9 litres/100km (43.4- to 40.9mpg) depending on the version. It's either Band C or D for tax (depending again on version), costing €330 or €481.

If you have a specific model in mind come back to us and we'll answer more precisely.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Another reader asked a very similar question, though for the Sport version. Our answer was:

"In general the new C-Class is proving quite reliable. There are a few known minor issues that should all be covered by a dealer for previous recalls so it's worth checking with a Mercedes-Benz dealer and the chassis number of the car you're looking at. These include software glitches for the automatic gearbox causing slow gearchanges. Make sure you get the spare key too, as these sometimes fail."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Christopher,

First things first: go for automatic. The fuel economy won't be as good, but there are far more on the market and the manual version retains the foot-operated parking brake, which is madness. It should return about 35mpg.

In general it's a reliable car, though check all electrics and if the gearbox is jerky walk away. Also listen out for suspension knocks. Insist on a full service history or find a car that has it.

Hope that all helps.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

In general the new C-Class is proving quite reliable. There are a few known minor issues that should all be covered by a dealer for previous recalls so it's worth checking with a Mercedes-Benz dealer and the chassis number of the car you're looking at. These include software glitches for the automatic gearbox causing slow gearchanges. Make sure you get the spare key too, as these sometimes fail.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jo,

I'm afraid not. There are loads of car-pooling schemes, but these usually involve filling a car with people as opposed to letting someone like yourself borrow other people's cars. Contact www.swiftcommute.ie and www.carsharing.ie for more information. There's also www.gocar.ie for hourly rental in main cities, but I suspect that's not what you're looking for.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

That generation of Ford Mondeo was fitted with timing chains so no need to worry.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

The Stilo is well known for its electrical gremlins I'm afraid and it's impossible to diagnose from afar. Even a good automotive electrician may not easily trace the source of your woes. In this instance we'd advise you to bring the car to a Fiat main dealer, as they will have seen the symptoms before and should quickly get to the root of the problem.

It's likely that there's an issue with the car's wiring loom, which is difficult to pinpoint.

Sorry not to be of more assistance.