Expert answer

Hi Shane,

This is a job for a really good auto electrician to find, but we do know that some Mercs have such an issue caused by a CD changer. The only way to stop it appears to be physically unplugging it from the car! Take the car to an auto electrician and tell them that and they may find a way to install a switch for it or to fix it properly...

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Karl,

That car is getting on now, so it's unlikely to be perfect. 

Known issues with the 2.2-litre model include a fixable oil leak from the transmission, faulty electric adjustment for the seats (if fitted), clonking from the rear of the car when moving away from rest, unexpected battery discharge and starting issues caused by the steering column lock control module.

Otherwise it's a fairly robust car. Most of the issues above can be fixed inexpensively.

Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

There's no doubt that premium cars of this age can come with costly repair bills. The older they get the more likely something will go wrong, no matter how reliable they are in general. The example you're looking at already has quite high mileage so we'd say budget for a grand or so of repairs a year just in case.

This generation of the A4 was reliable enough. Most problems seem to have stemmed from heating and cooling systems (in particular the air conditioning) and electrics so thoroughly inspect the car - preferably with a bit of professional help. Ensure that the gearbox (assuming it's manual) is smooth and noise-free and that there is no clonking from the front suspension.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Both those cars are decent family motors, but go into it with your eyes open as large aging SUVs are expensive to run, service and repair. For the most part the Discovery and XC90 are reliable, though there are reports of some early examples of this Land Rover with (costly) air suspension and electrical problems. It's definitely worth getting a thorough professional inspection as offered by Cartell.ie as this should highlight any issues with the car you're considering.

Some XC90s have suspension, transmission and injector problems too - all expensive to fix. Don't be put off by this though, as these issues do not affect all examples sold.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

As much as we dislike these, we've not heard of many problems with their reliability - other than early systems from Jaguar.

You could argue that every extra electronic sub-system is a cause for worry, but the modern car is already full of such devices.

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Ask the basics first: has this car been crashed? Has it been written off? Ask for a full service history. No harm asking how long they've had it. Ask if there are any known mechanical or electrical issues.

Never be afraid to ask what seems like an obvious question, as then nothing can be hidden or excused by "you never asked me about that" later on!

If you have a specific car in mind let us know and we may have other things to check.

Expert answer

Hi Florin,

Sorry to say that the Grand Espace, while brilliantly designed inside for family use, is not a reliable car. It fares very badly in owner surveys and if you are still tempted by an especially good deal make sure you get the car thoroughly checked over by an expert before parting with your cash. Engine, electrics and clutch issues lead to expensive repair bills.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Christopher,

First things first: go for automatic. The fuel economy won't be as good, but there are far more on the market and the manual version retains the foot-operated parking brake, which is madness. It should return about 35mpg.

In general it's a reliable car, though check all electrics and if the gearbox is jerky walk away. Also listen out for suspension knocks. Insist on a full service history or find a car that has it.

Hope that all helps.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Put simply, no, they are not. There are examples out there that run without a problem, but we've heard a lot of complaints from a lot of owners and it's a used car we'd steer people away from, as some repairs - especially the electrical ones - are expensive to fix.

No doubt you've been tempted by low pricing, but we couldn't recommend it.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid that generation of the Freelander was very troublesome, though the diesel is the best option. Listen out for noises from the rear differential and gearbox and check that every single electrical switch and light is working as it should be.

A 1.9-litre diesel from 2001 would normally be €660, but commercial vehicle tax is currently only €310 per annum.

Hope that helps