Expert answer

Hi Rich,

OK, there’s a lot to unpick here. First of all, any car you buy (other than perhaps a classic Mercedes SL or an old Ferrari) will be a depreciating asset, so there’s not much point in thinking that buying one car over another will save you from that. Obviously some cars depreciate a bit less than others, but they do all depreciate in the end.

The XC90 is a cracking car, a really good one, but as you rightly point out it’s big and expensive, and if you’ve only got the two kids, you probably don’t really need the seven seats. The Santa Fe is an excellent car, reliable and hard-wearing, but you’re quite right that the cabin can be a bit low-rent at times. It might be worth having a look at the Kia Sorento — mechanically identical to the Santa Fe, but a touch roomier and we prefer the Kia’s interior. Also well worth having a look at slightly smaller seven-seat SUV rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, all of which have genuinely excellent interiors and are good to drive too.

Mind you, once again, you’re right — you don’t need an SUV (no-one really does, but that’s a debate for another day) so actually the idea of an Audi A6 Avant estate is a really good one. You already like Audis, they’re great for quality and reliability and look awesome into the bargain, and have plenty of space for two growing kids. Worth looking at a BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate too (the BMW’s a little better to drive, the Mercedes is bigger inside) and well worth checking out the gorgeous new Volvo V90 if the XC90 has taken your fancy. Here are all our reviews of the above cars to help you decide:

Audi A6 reviews

BMW 5 Series reviews

Mercedes-Benz E-Class reviews

Volvo XC90 reviews

Hyundai Santa Fe reviews

Kia Sorento reviews

Skoda Kodiaq reviews

Volkswagen Tiguan reviews

Peugeot 5008 reviews

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Do you mean a Nissan Qashqai? The Mercedes GLA and B-Class are, although mechanically related, really quite different cars. The GLA is a compact crossover, similar in size to the Qashqai, but looking rather like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback. That said, it’s nice to drive, well made and very economical. The GLA 180 petrol or 180d diesel are the best models. The B-Class is a high-roofed five-seat MPV, a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and the Renault Scenic et al. Again, it’s no looker, but it’s not bad to drive, very roomy and again is well-made.

Compared to the Qashqai, they’re both of higher quality in the cabin and slightly sharper to drive, but the GLA is less roomy and the B-Class less stylish (to our eyes). And both will be more expensive to run, as Mercedes servicing costs are higher. Here are some relevant reviews to help you decide, but come back to us again if you need to:

Nissan Qashqai review

Mercedes-Benz GLA review

Mercedes-Benz B-Class review

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The short answer is that there are some benefits to using additives, but they’re not a miracle cure. Some additives, such as Redex, STP, or Dipetane, can apparently help to reduce the build-up of carbonised particles of soot and burned fuel on the insides of your engine, which can lead to improvements in reliability, fuel economy and emissions.

That said, there’s little here that’s scientifically proven. The benefits of additives tend to be more word-of-mouth than provable fact, but there’s certainly no harm in using them and if you notice a benefit, well that’s all to the good.

I would suggest that you’re better off sticking to a strict service regimen, using original parts and a qualified technical, than relying on additives though. And of course, as you already know, diesels need to be driven regularly to stay in good condition.

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

If you mean the current-shape C-Class then we've heard no horror stories. Electrical issues are common, but they tend to be small irritants rather than a major problem. Just make sure you buy it with a full service history, preferably a Mercedes dealer history. 

Expert answer

Hi Kev,

Yes, it's a tricky combination of things you need. Normally we'd say go for the Lexus and just enjoy the ultimate in reliability, but as you rightly point out, there's an issue with luggage space. With that in mind, I think the best bet is the Audi A8, which has masses of space in the cabin and boot and which should be, aside from the Lexus, the most overall reliable car in your list. 

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We haven’t actually done that, as yet, but here’s a quick rundown of our favourites:

1. Skoda Superb Combi: massive, roomy, cavernous, spacious, replete with space — whatever way you want to put it, the Superb is the best estate around simply because you can fit the most amount of stuff into one. Looks good too, and is exceptionally comfortable. Not the sharpest thing to drive, but you won’t really care.

2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate: really good looking, massive boot, staggeringly high quality cabin, comfortable, smooth 2.0-litre diesel and surprisingly good to drive.

3. Volvo V90: another one that’s surprisingly good to drive, with sharper steering than you’d expect. Gorgeous interior, exceptionally comfy seats and the only problem is that the boot isn’t quite as big as it should be. Exterior styling does kind of make up for that, a little.

4. Volkswagen Golf Estate: not the obvious choice perhaps, but adds extra space (lots of it — a 605-litre boot) to the Golf’s usual other qualities of quality and classiness. An ideal family car and more affordable to buy and run than an average SUV.

Expert answer

Hi Valentine,

You haven’t told us the year of the car, but assuming it’s a 2010 model, then it should be worth in and around €10,000.

Expert answer

Hi Bobby,

That model, depending on the engine and spec, is going to be worth in and around €10,000 on the Irish market, so you’re probably looking at a VRT cost of in and around €2,500.

Expert answer

Hi Pearse,

Would you consider a Lexus? A hybrid engined IS 300h saloon looks good, is good to drive, isn’t German, is frugal and will be so reliable you can pass it onto your grandkids.

Alternatively, a BMW 420d Coupe makes a great buy, and they’re not THAT bad on the reliability front, but it’s a good idea to buy one from a BMW main dealer, as it will come with a very comprehensive two-year warranty.

Well worth looking at a Mercedes C-Class C 220 d coupe too — not as slick looking as the BMW, but with great quality and a really lovely chassis. The Volkswagen CC (four-door coupe on a Passat chassis) is also well worth a look, and what about a Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel, which is a saloon, but looks slinky enough to be a coupe?

Lexus IS 300h review

Mercedes-Benz C 220d Coupe review

Volkswagen CC review

Expert answer

Hi Nora,

I'm afraid we can't do that check for you, as there's a small fee. Your best bet is to go directly to Cartell.ie and pay for a full history and finance check. It's not expensive and a great investment. We do it ourselves when buying used cars.