Expert answer

Hi Davy,

There are four versions of the Santa Fe sold in Ireland, all with the 2.2-litre diesel engine. Here are the figures:

- Comfort 2WD manual: 5.9 litres/100km (48mpg)

- Executive 4WD manual: 6.1 litres/100km (46mpg)

- Executive 4WD automatic: 6.7 litres/100km (42mpg)

- Premium 4WD automatic: 6.8 litres/100km (41.5mpg)

If it was the older model you're interested in please come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Well, it depends — do you mean the Avensis Verso or the Corolla Verso? Both are very good from the point of view of reliability, although as we’re talking about a 12-year-old car, there are limits to that. You’ll need to check carefully to make sure everything’s working properly, and if there are gaps in the service history, walk away. The Corolla Verso was always a very decent car — compact, but very spacious inside, and not at all bad to drive. The Avensis Verso was much bigger, of course, but really felt it — they’re very roly-poly in the corners. Automatics are fine, but you’ll have to expect slightly higher fuel consumption than you would with a manual of that era.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

The NCT testing manual doesn't specifically mention each and every warning light, but that light usually means there is something up with a system in the engine that may affect its emissions. Hence, it may fail its NCT on that basis. We'd always recommend you get such things remedied before bringing a car for testing.

Expert answer

Hi Marc,

I spoke with Mercedes-Benz Ireland and it suggested talking to the parts department of your local dealer. Price should be in the region of €30.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

I'm afraid so. Quoting from the NCT manual:

"Ensure the malfunction indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Braking System (EBS) / Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Parking Brake malfunction indicator are in working order."

"ITEM: Malfunction Indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS/Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Parking Brake."

"REASONS FOR FAILURE: Not working or indicates a defect in the relevant system."

You'll need to get that looked at I'm afraid.

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 FD,

We can't see why it should unless there's something wrong with it or its alternator.

If you have a problem come back to us and we should be able to help.

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 Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

We spoke to Volkswagen and I'm afraid there's no permanent way to switch this off that it recommends. You'll just have to do it manually each time you start up if it bothers you.

From our perspective, this feature is becoming more and more common and we think it's a great idea. If all cars on the road used it think how much fuel could be saved in town. Likewise - and in contrast to what you've said - noise pollution would be reduced overall thanks to the lack of engine idling noise at traffic lights.

Don't worry about the starting motor wearing out either, as most cars with stop-start have heavier duty starters, along with systems to monitor their condition and prevent it being over used.