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 Eamon,

Why? Because the government can get away with it, that’s why. The EU has repeatedly told the Irish government that VRT is unfair, but then all the government has to do is wave in the general direction of Denmark, which also charges hefty taxes on cars. Basically speaking, at some point, the patience in Brussels will run out and VRT will have to be scrapped. But don’t get your hopes up — no government can afford to give up a €1 billion annual tax take, so VRT will simply be renamed and repackaged in some other form. It’s never going to go away.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

All BMW 520ds of that era should be in Band B for tax at the time of writing, which means an annual tax bill of €225.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

The two-wheel drive 2.2 D-4D 150 emits 156g/km, which puts it in Band D. That's €481 per annum. The same engine with four-wheel drive costs the same with 159g/km.

Go for the automatic version with four-wheel drive and emissions rise to 186g/km, with motor tax costing €677 per year - Band E.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Holly,

This is correct I'm afraid. In 2008 the tax system changed over to a CO₂ emissions rating (from engine size bands) and the 1.3-litre Jimny went from €358 overnight to €677. It's quite an inefficient car for the size of the engine.

If you really do like the Jimny then you'll need a pre-2008 model to keep your annual tax bill down.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

We assume you mean the latest Mercedes-Benz E 200 BlueEfficiency. With the seven-speed automatic gearbox this uses 6.5- to 6.9 litres/100km (43.4- to 40.9mpg) depending on the version. It's either Band C or D for tax (depending again on version), costing €330 or €481.

If you have a specific model in mind come back to us and we'll answer more precisely.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

That's an interesting one and the decision will probably come down to your personal preference. The Discovery certainly has a higher 'status' and it is a very good car, but a newer, highly specified Galaxy might be the logical choice. Both cars are relatively reliable and highly comfortable. The Galaxy has more space and probably more equipment, but that depends on the Discovery you're looking at.

One thing to be aware of is that the Discovery is likely to have higher running costs, from fuel, tyres, servicing and insurance to annual road tax.

Bear all that in mind and then take the Discovery for a good long test drive before you decide - and don't be tempted by 'too good to be true' prices either. Get a Cartell.ie history check to make sure there's nothing dodgy about the car you're considering.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Samantha,

Average mileage for an Irish car is about 11,000 miles (18,000 kilometres approx.) so this is definitely above average, but it isn't necessarily something to worry about depending on the car. A diesel car tends to be used more and high mileage suggests a lot of low-stress motorway use - unless it's a tax of course!

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

The biggest difference is of course price, as I'm sure you're aware. You pay about €2,000 more for a new 2.0 TDI model with 140hp than you do for the 1.6 TDI 105. Clearly the bigger engine is more powerful and it does make the car feel quicker, but the smaller engine is absolutely fine too. The 1.6 is quieter, though as the 2.0 comes with a six-speed gearbox it's better for a lot of motorway mileage.

There's very little between the two on official combined cycle economy figures and both are in Band A for tax so running costs (other than insurance) are similar.

If you prefer a car with more get up and go, take the 2.0, but for most, the 1.6 is more than adequate. Either way, try to get a decent test drive in both to make up your own mind.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Taking a look at Carzone.ie this is average mileage for this car. We'd recommend advertising it for €6,999, but be willing to accept €500 less for a cash deal. If you want it to go quickly advertise for a little less.

Let us know how you get on.