Expert answer

Hi Adi,

Our usual point of reference is the Euro NCAP safety tests, but the G-Wagen has not been subjected to them. Our second source of data would be the US NHTSA tests, but again it looks like the Merc was not tested by that organisation.

The latest version of the G-Wagen comes with plenty of electronic driving aids to help with stability and traction, plus airbags, but it's not at the cutting edge of safety in terms of construction.

Sorry to not be able to give a more definitive answer.

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years. 

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

This really sounds like a clutch failure. Many cars have hydraulic clutch mechanisms, which is why you may still get the feeling that the clutch is ok. However, it could be that a driveshaft or a part of the gearbox has failed. It's highly likely it's 'just' the clutch though.

Bring the car along to a mechanic to get it checked out.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Having just come out of a Volkswagen Golf long-term test car I feel like I can speak with some authority on the car. For a start, it really depends on where you are driving and how far, when it comes to your engine choice.

The 1.6-litre TDi diesel is really good, but it probably isn't worth the extra cost unless you commute is quite long. Otherwise the 1.2 TSi is fine and while it isn't a rocket, it is perky enough. In terms of the the car being big enough, well yes it is. The Golf is fine for one baby and the boot is big enough to take the truly obnoxious buggy I put into it. 

With your budget of €20,000, you would really have your choice of petrol or diesel models so it is really down to what you prefer. I really like this one. And although it is over your budget you would probably come in under as a cash buyer. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

I really would find it hard to look past the new BMW 520d and you could perhaps get into one for your budget, but you might have to wait until January. A low mileage one is just outside your budget.

BMW 520d 

Now having said that, if you made a firm offer of €35,000 you might be successful, but the new car is so much better than the old one then you would need to get into it. The Audi A4 and Mazda6 are very different cars. The Mazda6 is very nice and you could get into a new one with your budget with a high spec. The Audi A4 is also good value now, but with a new model around the corner it might be best to hold off.

My advice Paul would be to hold on a few months if you can. I'd wait until January and see what happens to prices of 520d and if we have a new Audi A4 by then we will know whether that is worth looking at. For now anyway, hold on!

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Jason,

We've come across these symptoms before and they usually mean a camshaft or crankshaft sensor is faulty. The issue is that they work fine when cold, but when they warm up the fault creeps in. Bring your car to a garage when warm and get them to put it on a diagnostics machine to confirm.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Yvonne,

This is very low mileage for a catalytic converter to fail, but it is likely to be due to the kind of driving the car has been used for. Has it been driven mainly in an urban setting for short journeys? If so that could cause it to fail quicker.

The cost of the part sounds about right, but the labour sounds very expensive. It may be worth asking the MINI dealer to confirm how many hours that is for so you can see their rate. Also, as the car is out of warranty anyway, it's worth popping into an exhaust specialist to find out how much they'd charge to do the work.

Hope all that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Without hesitation I would advise you go for the 2011 5 Series over the older BMW X5. The new 5 Series is an absolute gem of a car and if you can stretch to the Touring estate model then it'll be even more spacious. The 520d is far better on fuel than the X5 and will cost you less in road tax too. On top of that, being newer, the 5 Series will have more of its warranty intact.

However, I urge you to go to a dealer and drive both, as the 5 Series is much lower down than the X5 and, while that's not important to me personally, it may be to you. Only one way to find out!

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Jacqueline,

There are a lot of questions there. Let's go through them. The Hyundai i10 is indeed better than the new Nissan Micra, but the latter comes with lots of equipment as standard and you will probably get the best price for your own Micra from a Nissan dealer. Hyundais are reliable - very reliable in fact. The i20 would definitely offer more space than the i10 though it costs €2,000 more.

I think you should try a Mazda2, which is a car we really rate here on CompleteCar.ie. Otherwise, the Hyundai i20 could make an ideal purchase.

I hope this helps and let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Laura,

I reckon the Fiat Sedici would be perfect. It is a small car with good fuel economy (from a diesel) that also happenes to come with four-wheel drive, which would make towing really easy. We found one that is within your budget and I reckon it would be a super little car for you.

Hope that helps