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Hi Derek,

As ever, values depend heavily on condition and history, but a ballpark value for a 2013 E-Class would be in the region of €12-14,000. 

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Hi Patrick,

We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model. 

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Hi there,

We can usually only guess at what Revenue will charge in terms of VRT (and it’s dependent on equipment levels, of course, as well), but we’d take a guess at a VRT cost of around €6,900 on that one.

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Hi Claire,

Both are really good cars, and I think it would be the Audi that we’d — just — come down on the side of. It’s not as cool to look at as the CLA, obviously, but the ride quality is better and that makes a big difference on Irish roads. It’s also a fraction more practical than the Mercedes and, if you can find one with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, then you’re onto a winner. Basically, it’s the Audi if you want practicality, or the Mercedes if you’re more interested in style.

Read our Audi A3 reviews here

Read our Mercedes-Benz CLA reviews here

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Hi PJ,

It has officially gone on sale here already, though there can't be many examples in the country yet. See our news story on the A-Class Saloon in Ireland here.

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Hi Charles,

Sounds to us as if one of the system's many sensors is not working properly, causing the system to shut off. We recommend bringing the car into a Mercedes dealer to have it looked at. It should still be under warranty so hopefully it won't cost you anything.

Let us know what it turns out to be.

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Hi Ciarán,

I've just this morning asked Mercedes Ireland about this again and it says that prices have yet to be confirmed. 

Apologies...

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Hi Padraig,

The updated C-Class has certainly gone on sale, though we don't, obviously, know what stock is being held. Best bet is to contact your local Mercedes dealer and ask about it.

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Hi Raymond,

Pretty good news all-round, here. Camper vans qualify for the lowest rate of VRT, the same as vans, so it’s 13.3 per cent of the estimated Irish market value. It might be a bit hard to find a solid Irish market value for your Mercedes, but at 13.3 per cent, the VRT is never going to be too bad. Motor tax is even better — camper vans qualify for a flat-rate of €102 a year.

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Hi Andy,

While I don’t think a diesel car is going to be worthless by the time you trade it in, it might well be worth less, if you see the distinction. That said, with your mileage, I’d say you should be looking at petrol or hybrid all the way. A 2.0 TFSI A6 Avant sounds ideal if you can find one and assuming that you’re already happy that all three kids can fit safely and comfortably in the back. A BMW 520i Touring would be the most obvious alternative (and a darned fine one at that) and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate even better again (assuming you can find one with a petrol engine) and you can find them with seven seats. Volvo’s old-shape V70 is also worth a look, not least from the safety point of view. That said, make absolutely sure you check out a current-shape Skoda Superb Combi estate too — they’re actually roomier inside than any of the premium-badge stuff, and very comfortable too.