Expert answer

Hi Terry,

They're very solid but you do need to keep an eye on a few areas. The rear suspension can be troublesome so listen for clonks or knocks. Check the front carpets for dampness from a leaking windscreen. Interior trim and electrics can be fragile while the clutch can give problems, but usually smells strongly before it goes.

Expert answer

Hi Aaron,

I'd tread very carefully. Although the engines in the Megane II are pretty robust, any and all of its electrical and electronic systems are suspect to say the least, and the suspension is prone to failure too. Only buy if it has a seriously flawless service history and appears to be in perfect condition - and even then I'd be wary.

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

Land Rover's quality has been getting better and better and it seems as if the current Discovery model has shaken off a lot of its reputation for weak gearboxes and electrical maladies. I think it's probably worth the punt, but there are two other good options - both the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser are also available in 'business versions' that mean you can buy them for the price of a commercial but you get the back seats and luxury touches. That said, you'll have to tax them as a private car if you're going to carry the kids around - it's a €4,000 fine if you're caught with the incorrect tax.

Expert answer

Hi James,

A really good car that one, but just give it a thorough checkover to make sure that all of the electrical systems are working properly (the alarm and central locking seem to be especially vulnerable) and have a check in the back and the boot for any dampness coming from leaking boot seals.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

Apparently so, yes. You'll need to check and make sure that all of the electrical bits and pieces are working properly, but the 607 seems to have been a remarkably well made car and doesn't seem to suffer much from reliability wobbles. Just make sure it's been looked after properly.

Expert answer

Hi Danny,

Yup, should be fine. Citroen's build quality and reliability have been improving lots in recent years, but just check all the electrics to make sure everything's working OK and make sure it has a full and complete service history, with no skimping on the high-quality oil at replacement time.

Expert answer

Hi Cyril,

They do suffer occasional electrical glitches, so check and make sure all the buttons work, especially the central locking system. Check also that the boot seals are working properly and that the carpet in the boot and under the back seats isn't getting damp or wet.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There are a few, actually. Volvo sells the V60 D5 Twin Engine here in Ireland, which is a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid, while Citroen sells the DS 5 Airdream Hybrid4 200. Peugeot used to sell the 3008 HYbrid4 too, but it doesn't appear to be on the price list now, while Mercedes-Benz has had diesel-electric hybrid tech for a few years.

In fairness, we don't expect them to get any more plentiful or popular. Hybrid technology is expensive to produce and diesel technology is more expensive than petrol, so putting two expensive sets of components together inevitably means a high purchase price, even if the emissions are low and the VRT is kept in check.

Expert answer

Hi Padraig,

I'm afraid that's not an easy one to answer from afar. It could be a problem with the stereo unit or its connections, including the aerial's, it could be the speaker system too or of course it could be the radio signal in your area.

Best bet is to bring the car to a good local mechanic or auto electrician.

Hope you get to the bottom of it