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.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

That's a nice problem to have. Thanks for sending the details of the cars to us via email.

In my opinion, the BMW is the better driver's car and more practical. However, the Mercedes is faster and much sportier looking. It also looks to be better equipped. Both are quite reliable in general, especially with low mileages, so I wouldn't worry about that unduly.

Maybe get a Cartell.ie car history check to verify the mileage and that there is no outstanding finance when you decide which you prefer.

It's imperative that you drive both cars yourself for as long as the seller allows you, as, no matter what we say, your preference is all that matter.

Now, onto money. A figure of €4,500 seems a little steep as a cost to change given the asking price of those cars and the estimated value of your own. I'd be tempted to offer €2,000 and see what they say. Don't be afraid to walk away, as there will be plenty of other cars like this. Also consider selling your car privately for a better price - if more hassle...

Come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Anna,

Sounds like either the coolant temperature sender unit or an issue with the air flow meter. These items may not be picked up by the diagnostics. In many cars you can just disconnect the air flow meter to test if it's working properly. Try that first. The coolant temperature sensor will be relatively cheap to replace.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

We contacted Volkswagen in relation to your question and 'officially' there does not seem to be a simple solution.

Thankfully there is the unofficial way of doing things and this is something we have experience with having swapped the sports seats in a Mk IV Golf for Recaros from the GTI. A quick search of a certain well-known online auction site reveals that Alcantara sports seats are available, but the shipping costs can prove prohibitive - unless you live near the seller of course.

Our advice would be to contact a large car dismantlers like http://www.traynors.co.uk/ or http://www.eddietorrensinternational.com and see if they have the parts you require. The actual fitting of the seats is just a case of undoing a few bolts and clips with the only problem you might encounter being the possibility of the airbag wiring loom not matching up. This is a simple fix for any auto electrician though and should not cost much to rectify.

We hope this helps.