Merc A class - Good choice for the wife?

[Goochie]

We're looking to replace the wife's aging Corsa with something different in the next few weeks, thanks to the COrsa failing it's MOT with terminal rust.

We've found a few nice looking Merc A class 140 on Autotrader and she quite likes them (She started off wanting a SMart car but then said "oh.... dont they have 4 seats?")

But what are they like for reliability etc.??

Edited by Goochie on Saturday 31st July 17:43

[christer]

I don't think an A class is a good car for *anyone* tbh

What about an SLK perhaps (if it has to be a Merc)?

[pist nbroke]

Depends which vintage A class your looking at, the later shape (169 chassis) are much improved from the first (168) A class which suffered from general bad build quality.

Beware airmass faults on the 168 (petrol), the airmass sensor is integral to the engine control unit and if it goes wrong - which they do, your looking at about £700+ to replace it! Also check rear trailing arms and springs front and rear which are other common problems.

In my humble opinion if she has her heart set on an A class, spend the extra cash and get the later shape all day long.

[onedsla]

I asked a similar question a few months ago:
http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp... for the wife?&mid=20929

Seems the answer is no, but the A2 could be a good alternative? For mine, the auto was a must hence she ended up with the c320 cdi.

[Goochie]

onedsla said:

I asked a similar question a few months ago:
http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp... for the wife?&mid=20929

Seems the answer is no, but the A2 could be a good alternative? For mine, the auto was a must hence she ended up with the c320 cdi.

Funnily enough we've just put a deposit on an A2!

The Merc seemed to have too many reported problems on various forums.