Expert answer

Hi Liam,

OK, first off you don’t need and shouldn’t be buying a diesel. With that kind of mileage, and doing most of it in town, you’ll never get enough efficiency out of the engine and you’ll run into trouble with the particulate filter and more potentially.

Of the three cars you’ve mentioned, I think that the Mercedes B-Class might actually be the most sensible, and it’s certainly the roomiest if you’re concerned about carrying big loads. Worth remembering that for similar money you could probably get yourself into a nice C-Class Estate too, which is only a little smaller inside and a whole lot nicer to drive. I’d be tempted to stick with the Mercedes, too, for safety reasons, if your son is going to start learning to drive.

The Tiguan is another very good option, and there are versions with Volkswagen’s excellent 1.4 turbo petrol engine if you shop around. Again, safe and good to drive, if not quite as roomy as the B-Class. I’d avoid the Duster at this point — it’s diesel only, and not as safe as the Merc or Volkswagen.

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Hi Paul,

Yes, it can be. The N47 2.0-litre diesel engine had an issue with its timing chain, which had a nasty habit of snapping, and which was located right at the back of the engine, against the firewall, making it hard to access or inspect. BMW claims to have fixed the issue, which affected engines produced between 2007 and 2011, but it’s wise to tread carefully, make sure you buy only cars with full BMW service histories, and keep that service history up in case the problem occurs. 

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Hi F D,

That, unfortunately, is impossible for us to tell. Probably, as a proportion, fewer than would have been the case in previous years as stronger new car sales here since 2014 have been replenishing the used car fleet in Ireland a little. The answer is probably 'quite a lot', but it’s not possible for us to say more than that.

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Hi David,

There are no major reported reliability problems for the AMG M156 V8 engine, other than that they can occasionally develop issues with the bolts that hold the engine head in place. Mind you, a huge amount will depend on how well the previous owner looked after it. While reliable, AMGs are of course bought for their high performance, and if the previous owner has thrashed it about, or not kept it serviced properly, then it could be troublesome. A full book of service stamps should be a good sign, though.

As for spare parts, I really wouldn't worry too much about that, as car makers produce spare parts for a very long time after a vehicle goes out of production.

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Hi John,

OK, well I have a few bits of good news for you. First off, there are lots and lots of classic American cars to choose from that are already on this side of the Atlantic. Whether it’s a Mustang or BelAir, Corvette or Chrysler that you fancy, chances are you can find one without going the import route.

The second thing is that there is excellent spares and parts backup for most of the major models, and you can get yourself off to a good start by joining the Classic American Auto Club or similar.

The final bit of good news is that, being based in London, you are positively surrounded by major classic car dealers and experts, many of whom will have American cars in stock. Maybe start with someone like Classic Chrome in Mortlake and see how you get on.

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Hi William,

Yes, the Q5 and the BMW X3 are both solidly reliable and good to drive, but if your budget is around the €40k mark, can I suggest instead shopping for a Honda CR-V or Kia Sorento? Not only would both of those be more reliable, long-term, than either of the German cars, for your budget you’ll also get a brand new one, and the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda is very economical. Some reviews for your consideration:

Audi Q5 review

Audi Q3 review

BMW X3 review

Honda CR-V review

Kia Sorento review

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Hi Noel,

You’ll need to check the turbo dump valve is working (irregular idle speed is the giveaway), listen for rattles that could be the cam belt tensioner and a knocking sound underneath that might be the exhaust working loose. The MINI needs a catalytic converter replacement at 115,000km so make sure that’s been done, and any vibration from the engine (up through the pedals and gear shift) could be a flywheel on the way out. Misfires or rough running usually means a coil pack needs replacing.

Clutches wear out easily, as do the wheel bearings (listen for rumbling noises), and the power steering pump can fail.

As for spec, UK cars are the same as Irish cars in basic spec, but a UK car is likely to have had more optional extras fitted.

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Hi David,

It can be, but it depends on the model and it depends on what the exchange rate is doing during a given week. By and large the rule of thumb is that the more expensive the model,  the bigger opportunity to make a saving, but even more humble cars, such as Toyotas and Fords, are becoming cheaper on import now. Do your homework, work out your VRT payment in advance as best you can and then wait for Theresa May or Boris Johnson to say something utterly stupid and drive down the value of Sterling again.

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Hi Kim,

At the moment, I'd say the Kia Sorento, which is big, comfy, smooth and has the requisite seven seats. Hang on though, because the new Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are imminent and those are both cars with big appeal. Relevant reviews:

Skoda Kodiaq review

Kia Sorento review

Expert answer

Hi David,

Yes, if you’re buying from a main dealer and the car is still covered by its original factory warranty, then that warranty also covers Ireland — we are all, for the moment anyway, still Europeans. Always, always haggle, but remember that dealers generally work on a margin of about 8-10 per cent, so don’t be unrealistic and go in offering half what they’re asking.