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What should I replace my Mercedes E-Class with?

I have a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 200 Elegance Kompressor auto petrol and want to change for something more economical and with much lower tax. Was thinking of a BMW 320d auto or Audi A4 auto diesel. Would I get 2012 in either for €20,000 with my own? I really like the Citroen C4 Picasso diesel auto too but am worried about resale value. Any advice?

Thanks a lot.

Ann Joyce (Galway)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Yeah, you might just scrape into a 2012 model in either car but to be fair, though rolling back to a 2011 or even a 2010 (assuming that condition and history are OK) isn't really going to be any hardship. As for the C4 Picasso, well it's a very, very different type of car altogether - a big, spacious family MPV rather than a low-slung sports saloon. They're nice and comfy, but won't be as well built as either of the German cars.

If it were our choice to make, we'd go with the Audi - comfy, decent to drive and reliable.


Anything to particularly look out for when buying a Mercedes-Benz CLS?

Anything to particularly look out for when buying a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 320 CDI?

Derek Bell (Dublin)

Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

Despite being based on the 2002 E-Class (one of the most unreliable Mercedes models in history), the CLS seems to have escaped the worst of its progenitor's breakages. Just be wary of any electrical issues that can be wearisome and expensive to put right, and your 2009 prospect will not have been affected by a brake system recall that only applies to up-to-2005 models. Build quality inside is fantastic and the CLS is a joy to drive. Just watch the headroom if you're especially tall.


How much does this Mercedes cost to tax?

How much is the road tax on Merc reg no 11 XX XXXX?

FRANK BARNETT (Dalkey)

Mar 2014 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The registration you provided is for a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 300 CDI BlueEfficiency with an automatic gearbox. That falls into the emissions band 191- to 225g/km, which costs €1,200 per annum to tax.


Merc SLK: what should I look out for on inspection?

Mercedes-Benz SLK 230K convertible: can you tell me any problems to look for on inspection?

Thanks, Paul

Paul Bristow (Glengarriff)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

OK, the good news: the SLK 230K (built from 1996 to 2004) is from an era when Mercedes engineers built the car the best they could, and then the accountants had to go away and figure out how much to sell it for. That changed later with disastrous consequences for Mercedes' reliability reputation, but the good news, as I say, is that the original SLK was built tough. There are few regularly reported issues, so the thing to check for here is maintenance. If the car has been obviously cared for properly, has a full set of service stamps, receipts and previous NCTs then you're probably on to a good one.

That regular servicing is vital to keep the supercharged engine in good shape (the supercharger itself needs a regular top up with high quality oil) and it's a good idea to very carefully check the operation of the folding steel roof. Any hesitation, vibration or grinding noises are bad signs. Check also for condensation or water in the lights front and rear, and check the interior for any obvious signs of excess wear and tear.

Hope that helps


With €4,000 what will I upgrade my Peugeot 206 CC to?

Hi, I have a 2002 Peugeot 206 CC, which I love but need a slightly bigger car. I am looking at a 2006 Peugeot 207 CC at €4,000 with low mileage (22,000 kilometres). Is this a good car to change to? Alternatively a small SUV would be good, but my max budget is €4,000. What do you think?

Many thanks!

Emma Webb (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

It's not bad, and the 207 represented a major leap in quality over the old Peugeot 206. That said, it's heavier (to the detriment of fuel consumption) and that folding roof mechanism can be worryingly unreliable. Keep an ear out too for any unhappy noises from the suspension - wheel bearing and suspension damper failures are common while a malfunctioning radio LED display in the cabin is an expensive, and all too common fix. 

In terms of a small SUV, that kind of budget will get you in to a Hyundai Tucson (very, very reliable but you'll only get a petrol version for that budget) or a Toyota RAV4 (likewise), both of which are fine purchases. You could think about going up a size to, perhaps, a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, but at that money you're into a world of potential unreliability so tread carefully.

Let us know what you go for


Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a reliable car?

Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a reliable car?

Tony Pierce (Wicklow)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

It's the electrical systems that are the E-Class's Achilles' heel. Mercedes had so many problems with the 2002-2009 model that it actually had to replace entire interiors and indeed entire cars for some irate customers. So, check everything very, very carefully and if even one little switch isn't working, walk away. If the car has had remedial work done by Mercedes, ask to see the paperwork to see exactly what was done. Check too that the automatic gearbox selects gears quickly and easily. 

The battery is prone to running flat too, if the car is left standing for a few days, and the computer that controls the brakes can go haywire too. Also check the paintwork for poor finish or flaking.


What's a realistic mpg figure for the Mercedes C-Class?

How many miles to the gallon will I get from a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 1.8 petrol auto?

Rosemary Hennessy (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Rosemary,

According to the official figure, you should be getting 33mpg. Bear in mind though that this is almost a ten-year old car, so its performance in terms of fuel economy may have tailed off. Nothing a good service and oil change wouldn't fix though, along with some decent new tyres.


Is the Volvo XC90 our safest family bet with seven seats?

We are looking for a large, family SUV, preferably a Volvo XC90, as our priorities are space and safety. It needs to take two car seats and another person in the back, with space in the boot for a pushchair and shopping. Are there any other cars that would be on a par with the safety record of an XC90?

Sue Row (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: safety

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

Safety record? Not really. The XC90 was first crash tested back in 2003 when Euro NCAP only gave stars for overall performance and pedestrian impact. At the time, the XC got a full five-star rating (rare at the time). Since then its score has only been matched in the class by the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg in 2004, the BMW X5 in 2003 and, in the past couple of years, the new Mercedes M-Class, the new Range Rover and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Out of those, only the X5 and the Santa Fe come with seven seats (optionally in the case of the X5) and neither can match the space or comfort of the Volvo.


How would you rate the Jaguar XF estate?

How would you rate the Jaguar XF estate?

Peter Kelly (Naas)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

A brilliant car, albeit one with a couple of shortcomings relative to its German rivals. It's probably the best-looking car in the class, and the 500-litre boot is a match for the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant (though much smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class). It's utterly delightful to drive too, better even than the much-praised BMW, with brilliant steering and a comfy ride.

On the downside, the interior is a step behind the Germans (not enough space, old-fashioned touch-screen infotainment system, narrow front seats) and the fuel tank is on the small side, limiting your touring range and making the car feel thirstier than it actually is. The 2.2-litre diesel engine in 190hp form is the best all-round to go for, but the lower power 163hp is a bit cheaper to buy and you'll hardly ever notice the difference in day-to-day driving. Or, you could get the best version; the 272hp 3.0 D V6 diesel – a properly quick, practical car that.

Here's our road test of the XF Sportbrake


I need a seven-seat MPV to replace my Merc estate...

Hi, my 1997 E 230 Mercedes estate just failed its NCT and I've decided not to put any more money into keeping it going. I am looking for a second hand, large seven-seater (for three kids and two dogs), with a budget of approx €6,000.

I want space, practicality, reliability and preferably low running costs. My preference would be Ford Galaxy (on reputation), but mileage in my price range tends to be high. French brands (Citroen C8, Peugeot 807 and Renault Espace) seem to review poorly. Hyundai Trajet maybe? SEAT Alhambra? Any others I should be considering? All advice gratefully received.

Richard, Dublin

Richard Butler (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

The Alhambra would be my choice here. A budget of €6,000 won't get you the current model, but it should find you an old one and they're still good. SEAT's reliability is pretty solid and you should be able to find one at a lower mileage than an equivalently priced (and mechanically identical) Ford Galaxy. 

It would be worth keeping an eye out for a Ford S-Max too, though €6,000 is the very, very bottom end for S-Max prices, but keep your eyes peeled and haggle hard and you might just land a nice one. 

And, as I always advise anyone looking for a seven-seater, there's always the option of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with extra seats in the boot...


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