Expert answer

Hi Amanda,

Pretty good, but all Mercedes models of that era suffered major problems with the electrical systems (especially the instrument displays) and some braking issues too. It's a complex car so perhaps get in touch with the Mercedes Club of Ireland to get a better handle and some friendly advice.

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Hi Ebere,

Pretty good actually. Watch for wayward electrics, and the exhaust gas recirculation valve can give problems. As with any car equipped with a diesel particulate filter, watch for that getting clogged if the owner has only been putting up low speed, short journeys on the clock.

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Hi Brian,

Wow, I hardly know where to begin. If you're looking at a car with little or no history then you are taking a major leap into the unknown. Essentially, you're going to have to check everything, including major mechanical checks for items like timing belts, head gaskets and gearbox issues. BMWs of that era are generally pretty tough but beware ageing electrical systems and don't assume that if there are no warning lights on the dash that there are no underlying problems. 

If possible, get the car to a BMW dealer to be checked on a diagnostic system to see if there are any hidden maladies. 

Seriously though, tread carefully. If a car has no history, there's generally a reason why. Normally we'd recommend leaving it well alone.

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Hi Ben,

Watch for faulty exhaust cats, failing electrics (especially the electric windows), fragile suspension mounts and bushings, disintegrating cabin trim and cracked engine mounts.

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Hi Shane,

The 2.0litre diesel engine in the S40 is shared with the Ford Mondeo and it's a 140hp unit. A pretty good and robust one too, with few major reported problems, but watch earlier models for niggling electrical issues. 

There were also problems with leaky windscreen surrounds, some 2008 models had faulty wheel nuts, watch for ECU and fuel pump failures and brake issues because of a faulty vacuum pump.

Other than that, you might find the S40 slightly tight on legroom. It's a smaller car than the BMW 3 Series to begin with and Volvo compromised the cabin room further by allowing for more crush zones up front. So safer, but a touch more cramped if you've got long legs.

Hope that helps

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Hi Carol,

Well, we'd definitely go for diesel unless your mileage is really low, and while both cars are reasonably reliable, both have issues with electrics and fragile cabin trim. 

If you want something with (near enough) total reliability in this class, go for a Toyota Corolla Verso.

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Hi Martin,

The engine is a proven unit, but on all 307s you really have to watch for recurrent electrical problems, particularly if it's a pre-2005 model.

Hope that helps

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Hi Carrie,

Puntos, especially the 2006-on Grande Punto, aren't bad at all when it comes to reliability. The engines are all well-proven Fiat units with few major issues and as long as you keep a wary eye on the electrics, and buy only with a full service history, you should be OK. 

Compared to Fords you have driven, you'll probably find the Fiat has much lighter, more detached steering and a "looser" feeling chassis. But you'll probably also notice that the Punto is unusually spacious and has very eager engines. An underrated car.

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Hi there,

Surprisingly not bad. The 147 was built at a time when Alfa was getting its game together with build and reliability. Basically, watch the electrics like a hawk as anything can go wrong there. I remember a 147 press car with the Selespeed gearbox. Every time I hit the up shift paddle, the dash lights would go out, which meant at night you had to drive everywhere in fifth gear. Other niggles include engine sensors that can knock you into limp-home mode. Other than that, make sure it's got history and make sure you service and maintain it properly - and keep your fingers crossed.

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Hi Albert,

Generally speaking, it should be fine. In fact, depending on which options the original owner ticked on the sales form, it may even still have a couple of years worth of warranty to run. Most of them are fitted with the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which is a proven and rugged design. It's also very economical, which is a bonus.

As ever, with any French car, watch the electrical systems like a hawk. Renaults are prone to throwing an odd warning light at you, which could be something major about to go bang, or it could just be a faulty warning light. Either way, pounce on any potential issue and get it sorted, quick. Watch for the diesel particulate filter clogging up too if the previous owner has only been doing low-speed, around-town mileage.

Hope that helps and let us know how you get on.