Real questions. Straight answers.Est. Berlin
YouTubeFacebook
Language: English

Machines

Cars · Bikes · Builds

Cars, bikes and builds — reviews, buying advice and the questions owners actually ask.

Q.009Machines Is a Mercedes W140 S-Class a smart buy or a money pit, and what goes wrong with it? Short answer: It can be either. Paperwork, rust and the state of the wiring and air conditioning decide far more than the mileage does.Read the answer ArchiveMachines What is Mopars & Coffee Berlin, and who can join? Short answer: Mopars & Coffee is a community of classic American car owners that has been meeting in Germany since 2011. The first Berlin meet was on 26 June 2011.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2012 Subaru XV a good buy? Short answer: The first-generation XV is a raised Impreza with permanent all-wheel drive, 220 mm of ground clearance and a five-star Euro NCAP rating.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Nissan 370Z (2009–2020) a good buy? Short answer: The 370Z has a 3.7-litre V6 with 328 PS (331 in some markets) or 344 PS in the Nismo, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual with rev matching or a seven-speed automatic.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a 1951 Cadillac Series 62? Short answer: The Series 62 was Cadillac's volume model in 1951, with 81,844 of the 110,340 Cadillacs built that year. Every one had the 331 cu in (5.4-litre) OHV V8 with 160 hp and a standard four-speed Hydra-Matic.Read ArchiveMachines When can you visit the Toyota Collection in Cologne, and what can you see there? Short answer: The Toyota Collection is at Toyota Deutschland's headquarters, Toyota-Allee 2 in Cologne-Marsdorf. Its public openings are on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2012 Mitsubishi ASX a good buy? Short answer: The ASX does well to very well in the ADAC breakdown statistics in every year and ranks among the best in its class.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2012 Nissan X-Trail a good buy? Short answer: The second-generation X-Trail (T31, 2007–2014) is a practical family SUV with switchable four-wheel drive and a reputation for tough mechanicals.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Nissan Navara D23 (2016–2021) a good buy? Short answer: The Navara D23 (sold in Europe as the NP300 Navara at first) was built in Barcelona from late 2015 to December 2021, with a 2.3-litre diesel of 160 to 190 PS.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Volvo V60 D4 (2018–2020) a good buy? Short answer: The second V60 arrived in 2018; the D4 is its 2.0-litre diesel with 190 PS, replaced in summer 2020 by the B4 diesel with mild-hybrid technology.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used DS 4 E-Tense 225 (2021–2025) a good buy? Short answer: The second DS 4 went on sale at the end of 2021; the E-Tense 225 combines a 1.6 turbo petrol with a 110 PS electric motor and a 12.4 kWh battery, and a 2022 software update raised the WLTP range from 50 to 62 km.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a used Nissan 370Z Roadster? Short answer: The 370Z Roadster arrived in March 2010 with an electric fabric roof that opens or closes in about 20 seconds; it has the same 3.7 V6 with 328 PS as the coupé.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Renault Zoe (2013–2024) a good buy? Short answer: The Zoe was built from 2013 to March 2024 with 22, 41 or 52 kWh batteries and 88 to 136 PS; real-world range is about 100 to 120 km with 22 kWh and up to about 300 km with 52 kWh (ADAC).Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid (2013–2019) a good buy? Short answer: The Auris Touring Sports Hybrid was built from 2013 to March 2019 with a 1.8 petrol engine and electric motor making 136 PS, a CVT-style automatic and a big boot.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a used VW Caddy Maxi (Type 2K, up to 2020)? Short answer: The Caddy Maxi is the long-wheelbase version of the Type 2K Caddy, with 320 mm more between the axles and up to seven seats; the 2K was facelifted in 2010 and 2015 and replaced in 2020.Read ArchiveMachines What are the common VW Golf Mk4 problems (1997–2006), and is a used one still a good buy? Short answer: The VW Golf Mk4 (1997–2006) is a cheap, solid and easy-to-fix used car, but it is now old – only 54 to 59 percent of 2003 Golfs pass the British MOT, so condition matters more than engine or trim.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used BMW Z4 E85 (2003–2008) a good buy? Short answer: The Z4 E85 replaced the Z3 in early 2003 as a roadster with an electric fabric roof and six-cylinder engines from 170 to 231 PS; a 2006 facelift brought softer suspension and new engines.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Fiat Grande Punto or Punto Evo a good buy? Short answer: The Grande Punto (2005–2009) and the facelifted Punto Evo (2009–2012) are spacious, cheap-to-run small cars that mechanics know well and parts are easy to find for.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2011 Subaru Outback a good buy? Short answer: The fourth-generation Outback (2009–2014) is a raised Legacy estate with permanent all-wheel drive, a 526-litre boot and a five-star Euro NCAP rating.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Ford Ka+ Active (2018–2020) a good buy? Short answer: The Ka+ Active is the raised, SUV-styled version of the India-built Ford Ka+, sold in Europe from spring 2018 until early 2020.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Audi Q2 (2016–2026) a good buy? Short answer: The Q2 was Audi's smallest SUV from 2016 until it was discontinued in April 2026; the November 2020 facelift brought a sharper front, Matrix LED headlights and new engine names.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Renault Mégane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid (2020–2023) a good buy? Short answer: The plug-in hybrid arrived with the 2020 facelift of the fourth Mégane, first as the Grandtour estate and from 2021 as a hatchback; it combines a 1.6 petrol engine with two electric motors for 158 PS.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2004 Mazda 2 (DY) a good buy? Short answer: The first Mazda 2 (DY) is a tall small car built in Spain on the Ford Fusion base, with Ford petrol engines from 75 to 100 PS and a 68 PS diesel.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Range Rover Evoque (2016–2018) a good buy? Short answer: The facelifted first-generation Evoque (L538) arrived in August 2015 for the 2016 model year, with full LED headlights, a new touchscreen and JLR's own 2.0 Ingenium diesels with 150 or 180 PS.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2019 Jeep Compass a good buy? Short answer: The second Compass (2017–2021) scored five Euro NCAP stars and is more capable off-road than most rivals, especially with all-wheel drive.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used BMW X4 (2018–2025) a good buy? Short answer: The second X4 (G02) went on sale in 2018 as the coupé version of the X3; the 2021 facelift brought a new front, a new interior layout and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for all engines, and production ended in 2025.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Opel Corsa E (2014–2019), such as a Black Edition, a good buy? Short answer: The Corsa E was built from late 2014 to June 2019 on an updated Corsa D platform, with petrol engines from the 70 PS 1.2 to the 207 PS OPC; the 1.0 and 1.4 turbos are the most common choices.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Citroën C1 (2005–2014) a good buy? Short answer: The first C1 was built from 2005 to 2014 in Kolín, Czech Republic, together with the near-identical Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo; most have the 68 PS Toyota 1.0 three-cylinder.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a Ford Taunus TC1 "Knudsen" (1970–1975)? Short answer: The first Taunus TC, nicknamed "Knudsen", was built from autumn 1970 to late 1975 as a saloon, estate and fastback coupé, with 1.3 and 1.6 four-cylinders and 2.0 and 2.3 V6 engines from 55 to 108 PS.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a Mazda MX-5 NB (1998–2005)? Short answer: The second MX-5 was built from 1998 to 2005, about 290,000 times, with a 110 PS 1.6 or a 1.8 (sold in Germany as the 1.9) with 140 PS, or 146 PS after the 2001 facelift.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a used Suzuki Intruder M1800R? Short answer: The M1800R (VZR1800, sold in the US as the Boulevard M109R) arrived for 2006 with a 1783 cc V-twin making 125 PS and 160 Nm, shaft drive and a 240 mm rear tyre.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Honda CB 500 (PC32) a good first bike? Short answer: The PC32 is the Italian-built CB 500 from 1996 to 2003, a 499 cc parallel twin with 57 PS (also 50 and 34 PS) that MOTORRAD calls one of the most recommendable used bikes.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used BMW M8 Competition (2019–2025) a good buy? Short answer: The M8 arrived at the end of 2019 as the M version of the 8 Series; from 2022 BMW sold only the 625 PS Competition, and production ended in autumn 2025.Read ArchiveMachines Which innovations made BMW what it is today? Short answer: BMW dates its founding to 7 March 1916 and started out building aircraft engines. Its first motorcycle, the R32 from 1923, introduced the boxer twin with shaft drive that BMW still builds today.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a VW Karmann Ghia Type 14 (1955–1974)? Short answer: The Type 14 was built by Karmann in Osnabrück from 1955 to 1974 as a coupé and, from 1957, a cabriolet, on Beetle mechanicals with 30 to 50 PS.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Škoda Octavia IV (from 2020) a good buy? Short answer: The fourth Octavia was presented in November 2019 and sold as a hatchback and an estate (Combi) from 2020; a facelift followed in 2024.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Citroën Grand C4 Picasso (2006–2013) a good buy? Short answer: The first Grand C4 Picasso is a 4.59-metre seven-seat MPV, launched in January 2007 and facelifted in October 2010, with a huge panoramic windscreen.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Audi Q3 (2018–2025) a good buy? Short answer: The second-generation Q3 (F3) was sold from late 2018 until 2025; the Sportback coupé and the 400 PS RS Q3 followed in 2019, a plug-in hybrid at the end of 2020.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Volvo XC90 II (from 2015) a good buy? Short answer: The second XC90 arrived in 2015 with four-cylinder engines only; the 2019 facelift brought a new front, mild hybrids and a bigger battery for the T8 plug-in hybrid.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a 1967 Dodge Charger? Short answer: The 1967 Charger is the second and last year of the first-generation fastback. Only 15,788 were built, against 37,344 in 1966. Engines ran from the standard 318 V8 with 230 hp to the 426 Street Hemi with 425 hp, which only 118 buyers ordered.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Audi A4 Cabriolet B6 (2002–2005) a good buy? Short answer: The A4 Cabriolet B6 is a well-built four-seat convertible with a fabric roof, sold from 2002 and facelifted as the B7 in 2006.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Peugeot 3008 II (2016–2023) a good buy? Short answer: The second-generation 3008 (2016–2023) was named European Car of the Year 2017, with Peugeot's i-Cockpit and a wide choice of engines; a facelift followed in 2020.Read ArchiveMachines What are the common problems with the BMW X3 F25, and is a used one a good buy? Short answer: The second BMW X3 (F25, 2010–2017) fails the British MOT test about half as often as the average car of its age, and it does well in the ADAC breakdown statistics.Read ArchiveMachines What are the common problems with the first Mazda CX-5, and is a used one a good buy? Short answer: The first Mazda CX-5 (KE, 2012–2017) fails the UK MOT far less often than the average car of its age, and the ADAC rates its breakdown record well for every year.Read ArchiveMachines What are the common problems with the first Volvo XC60 (2008–2017), and is a used one a good buy? Short answer: The first Volvo XC60 (2008–2017) passes the German TÜV and the British MOT more often than the average car of its age, and a D4 earned top marks in a 100,000 km Auto Bild long-term test.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a used Lamborghini Urus? Short answer: The Urus (2018–2022) has a 650 PS 4.0 twin-turbo V8 shared with Audi and Porsche; the Urus S and Performante from 2022 have 666 PS, and the SE plug-in hybrid with 800 PS followed in 2024.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Mercedes-AMG SL 43 (from 2022) a good buy? Short answer: The SL 43 is the entry model of the seventh SL (R232), on sale since 2022, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the first production electric exhaust turbocharger, 381 PS and rear-wheel drive.Read ArchiveMachines What are the common Nissan Qashqai J10 problems, and is a used one a good buy? Short answer: The first Qashqai (J10, 2007–2014) fails the UK MOT less often than the average car of its age, but suspension, steering joints, driveshafts and brakes are its typical weak points.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Fiat 500 (2015–2020 facelift) a good buy? Short answer: The Fiat 500 (type 312) launched in 2007 and got a comprehensive facelift in July 2015; engines were the 69 PS 1.2, the TwinAir two-cylinder with 85 or 105 PS, a 95 PS diesel and, from 2020, a 70 PS mild hybrid.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Ford Mustang Bullitt (2018–2020) worth buying? Short answer: The Bullitt is a limited edition of the facelifted Mustang GT for the film's 50th anniversary, with a 464 PS 5.0 V8, a six-speed manual with rev-matching and a choice of Dark Highland Green or Shadow Black.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used first-generation Toyota Yaris (1999–2005) a good buy? Short answer: The first Yaris was built in France from 1999 to January 2006, with a facelift in March 2003; the ADAC calls its long-term quality convincing.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used 2009 Kia Sportage a good buy? Short answer: The second-generation Sportage (2004–2010) is a cheap, practical SUV that UK testers rate as a sound used buy, as long as it has not been thrashed off-road.Read ArchiveMachines How did Porsche go from a design office to a sports car maker, and what does it build today? Short answer: Ferdinand Porsche opened his engineering office in Stuttgart in 1931. The first car with the Porsche name, the 356 "No. 1" Roadster, followed in 1948 in Gmünd, Austria, and the 911 was unveiled in 1963.Read ArchiveMachines Is a used Ford Ranger T6 (2011–2022) a good buy? Short answer: The T6 Ranger went on sale at the end of 2011 with 2.2 and 3.2 TDCi diesels; a facelift followed in 2016, and from 2019 the 2.0 EcoBlue and the Raptor replaced the 2.2.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a Porsche 911 (996) Cabriolet? Short answer: The 996 Cabriolet arrived in April 1998 with a 3.4-litre, 300 PS flat-six; from the 2001 facelift it had a 3.6 with 320 PS, as a Carrera or four-wheel-drive Carrera 4, with an aluminium hardtop as standard.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a Porsche 911 SC (1978–1983)? Short answer: The 911 SC was built from model year 1978 to 1983 with an air-cooled 3.0 flat-six (180, then 188 and from 1981 204 PS) as a coupé, Targa and, from 1983, Cabriolet.Read ArchiveMachines What should you check before buying a Porsche Boxster 986 (1996–2004)? Short answer: The first Boxster ran from 1996 to 2004 with a 2.5 (204 PS), then a 2.7 (220, later 228 PS) and the Boxster S with a 3.2 (252, later 260 PS); the facelift brought a glass rear window.Read