Expert answer

Hi James,

As discussed via email:

That generation Audi A6 is in general a reliable car, but not fault-free. Some owners have had no problems, while others have been plagued. The Multitronic transmission is not renowned for being the most trouble-free, though units made pre-2006 have the most problems. Also, the gearbox's fluid should be changed at 55,000 and 115,000 kilometres (or 35,000 and 75,000 miles) so the car you're looking at should have had two changes by now. Check that it has and then look in detail at how the gearbox works. Does the 'PRNDS' indicator on the dash flash? Is there hesitation? Is it easy to get reverse?

No matter what turbodiesel car you look at you'll hear of turbo problems from some owners. Most of the time it's likely to be due to poor oil maintenance. So check the car's service history in terms of oil changes and that the oil level itself is right. They do use a bit of oil.

While you're checking out the car in detail, make sure the air conditioning can produce freezing air in just a few minutes, as these have been known to fail.

I'm probably making this sound worse than it is! I'd buy an A6 for myself - it's a good car - you just need to know what you're looking for and not get caught out by one of the few badly maintained examples out there.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

As that car is pre-2008 it is taxed according to its engine size. Following the Budget announcement (December 5, 2012), the cost of taxing that car for a year has risen from €962 to €1,034.

Hope that helps,

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

In general the Superb has proven to be very robust, as it's built on Volkswagen Group mechanicals. Make sure you check the car's history (we recommend Cartell.ie for that) to ensure it wasn't a taxi in a previous life.

Other than that, check the air conditioning is working.

We wouldn't particularly recommend the 1.8 T petrol model due to a few known engine issues, but that car is not so common here anyway.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Paulina,

There’s a common wiring fault that can disable the speedometer, and check too for corroded brake discs. Leaking shock absorbers are common too, but thankfully that’s about it for the known issues. But do bear in mind that it’s 15 years old now so check the whole car over very carefully and insist on a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

In general this is a sound purchase, though there are a few things to look out for as ever. We'd advise readers to get as full a service history as possible, even on a relatively old car such as this. On the diesel models check for smooth running and have a look at the condition of the oil. Walk away if it's filthy or there's blue smoke in the exhaust. Black smoke under acceleration shouldn't be an issue though.

The 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol models are known to have issues with their coil packs, while many have air conditioning problems. Just make sure all switches work as you'd expect and check that the air conditioning gets cold within a few minutes. Minor electrical gremlins seem to be this car's biggest problem, but don't let that put you off - just thoroughly check the car you're considering buying.

As ever, we'd advise you to bring along a mechanic to inspect the car before you commit any money.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Fergus,

You've not told us the type of engine in the car, but for your information only the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TDI diesel units have timing belts. The change interval is 75,000 miles (just over 120,000km) so if the car you're looking at has one of those engines then it should have had a timing belt change by now.

Other than that insist on a full service history and regardless of what the dealer says it's worth getting a car history check on Cartell.ie, as it covers UK and Northern Ireland cars in full.

Hope that's of help.

Expert answer

Hi May,

In general these engines are very robust and don't use much oil. Of course if any engine isn't serviced then its reliability will suffer. The Almera's can have timing chain problems in that case. If you're getting high oil consumption then you really should bring to a mechanic to ascertain why.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi David,

The SEAT Toledo and Skoda Rapid are basically the same car, but with different badges. There’s no close relationship to the Jetta (other than minor systems and bits and pieces under the skin). Actually, the underpinnings are a combination of old Golf and old Polo bits, mixed and matched together. They’re decent cars — reliable and roomy — but not the most sophisticated. You’ll have to put up with a narrow cabin, slightly crude rear suspension and a fair bit of noise inside. If you’re doing 30k a year, you’re probably best off with the 1.6 TDI diesel. You should easily squeeze 55mpg out of that.

Read our Skoda Rapid reviews here

Read our SEAT Toledo reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

The 1.6-litre TDI engine is available in either 85- or 105hp outputs both of which have an official combined cycle consumption figure of 4.5 litres/100km (62.8mpg). The 105hp version is also available in BlueMotion trim with its longer gearing, unique bodystyling and other tweaks allowing for fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km (74. mpg). By way of comparision the 140hp 2.0-litre TDI Golf returns 4.8 litres/100km - or 58.9mpg in old money.

So while less powerful the 1.6 TDI is more efficient. All of the 1.6 variants also qualify for Band A tax of €160 whereas the 2.0 TDI is Band B, costing €225 annually. 

Just to throw a spanner into the works; over shorter journeys like the ones you outline a petrol powered model may actually prove to be more economical due to the time it takes a diesel engine to heat up and reach ideal operating temperature. And of course it will be cheaper to buy in the first place.

If you would like to discuss this further let us know. 

Expert answer

Hi Juls,

The official fuel consumotion of the E90 BMW 316i is 5.9 litres/100km - or 48mpg in old money. This model actually received a mid-life update during 2008, but the upgrades were cosmetic and had no effect on fuel economy.

We hope this helps