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 Martin,

For the size of car and its capability off-road the ML 270 CDI has acceptable economy, but you'll get a shock if you're moving over from a regular car, as it's thirsty by that measure. The early versions do not have a great reputation for reliability so make sure you get any car you're interested in checked out thoroughly - and insist on a full service history.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

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 Jenny,

I'm a family man myself so I know well your needs! Before saying anything more though I assume you've looked at the pricing of the BMW and Merc and that's not a consideration? The X3 starts at about €47,000, while the M-Class costs from €71,000.

If price is not a problem then the answer has to be the Merc. It's a bigger, more luxurious car with more equipment. There's nothing at all wrong with the X3 (I'd consider owning one myself), but the Merc is in a different league - as it should be for that price difference.

Come back to me if we can help further.

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Nice position to be in! We're a little puzzled at the shortlist, but each to their own. I'm sure you know that the Beetle won't be a patch on the Boxster in terms of driving thrills and the Porsche trumps the SLK on that front too.

However, if your priorities are ease of repair, etc. then the Beetle seems to be the obvious choice, as there are loads of Volkswagen dealers around and a new car won't need much doing to it anyway.

Saying that, the Mercedes and Porsche are quite reliable and you have a choice of Mercedes-Benz service centres. While there are no official Porsche service outlets in Cork that we know of, as resale value is not of importance to you I'd suggest you get the number of a recommended mechanic. They'll do just as good a job with a more personal service. Get in touch if you need help on that.

Personally, I'd have the Boxster. Though of course I can understand the lure of the new car. The SLK is a distant third place.

Let us know how you decide - and if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Our writer Kyle Fortune drove the new ML 250 CDI so I've passed the question to him for answering. This is what he said:

"The base 250 CDI engine in the ML is actually a 2.1-litre turbodiesel mated to a seven-speed automatic to best make use of the engine's torque and power spread. It works relatively well too, so long as you remember you're shifting quite a lot of bulk without masses of power. That said it's got a sizeable 500Nm of torque generated low in the rev range, so the ML 250 CDI is rapid enough in town traffic. It's only out of town - on a motorway slip road when you push it - that you'll perhaps be a bit underwhelmed by the performance. It's all about expectations though, and really, it's a credible performer.

As to the BMW? It's difficult to comment on a car that doesn't exist, but experience of BMW's small capacity turbodiesels does suggest that they typically over deliver on expectations - the 520d for example feels very rapid given its size and weight. How that will translate to the bigger, weightier X5 is questionable, though BMW is unlikely to release a product that's not at the top of its game. We've not heard anything about a 2.5d X5 (officially or not), but it's quite possible given the prevailing economic climate and the ever tightening quest for economy. Downsizing is common so it stands to reason that BMW might be considering it for the X5."

Feel free to come back to us if you would like to know more.