Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

There isn't a lot of data for this car in Ireland as there aren't that many on the road, but reports from drivers around the world suggest that the Safari is plagued with issues. We'd recommend staying away from it.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Most drivers of the 2009/2010 BMW 520d saloon see between 40- and 50mpg (7.1- to 5.6 litres/100km)  depending on their driving style and where the car is used. It'll certainly do that when used on the motorway.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Val,

Generally it's a bad idea to fit mis-matching tyres across the same axle of a car (i.e. both front tyres should be the same and both rear tyres should be the same, but front and rear can be different brands etc. so long as the size is within manufacturer guidelines). In an ideal world all four tyres would be matching, but we realise that people need to save money.

On that note, we'd urge caution with regards to buying second-hand tyres. You can't possibly know their history and though they might be fine, it's still not a great idea.

Final point from us: a tyre is one of the most important parts of your car to maintain safety. Please don't scrimp on that.

Hope that's been of assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

As much as we dislike these, we've not heard of many problems with their reliability - other than early systems from Jaguar.

You could argue that every extra electronic sub-system is a cause for worry, but the modern car is already full of such devices.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Without seeing the car for ourselves it's hard to say for sure. The gearbox itself could be leaking oil somehow, though it may also mean the failure of the rear crankshaft oil seal on the engine. Both of those are likely to be expensive repairs so make sure you get to the bottom of it before you buy the car.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Holly,

This is correct I'm afraid. In 2008 the tax system changed over to a CO₂ emissions rating (from engine size bands) and the 1.3-litre Jimny went from €358 overnight to €677. It's quite an inefficient car for the size of the engine.

If you really do like the Jimny then you'll need a pre-2008 model to keep your annual tax bill down.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Ask the basics first: has this car been crashed? Has it been written off? Ask for a full service history. No harm asking how long they've had it. Ask if there are any known mechanical or electrical issues.

Never be afraid to ask what seems like an obvious question, as then nothing can be hidden or excused by "you never asked me about that" later on!

If you have a specific car in mind let us know and we may have other things to check.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

We don't know the inside of the door in detail, but it sounds like a lever from the interior door handle to the lock has been dislodged in reassembling the door. You'll have to take it all apart again to fix it I'm afraid!

Best of luck

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 Ian,

BMW hasn't even confirmed production for this car as yet. However, we did manage to find out that there will be a concept at the Paris Motor Show at the end of next month in this vein. No doubt it'll be called the BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo Concept or something else cryptic like that...

Watch this space for more.