Best way to have an A class

[MAS123]

So I'm after a Mercedes A class, however my problem is i only have a budget of 12k. Now due to the low budget all the cars in this price range are either high mileage (~120k) or are either accident damage repaired. ideally want at least the 'Sport' variant or more preferably the 'AMG Line'. If i was to do a finance purchase i only want to this for 3 years, but my budget would be slightly bigger.

I now need advice on what to do, i have come up with 3 possible solutions:
1) buy outright lower spec (SE) but high mileage
2) Hire purchase a used car- need more info/advice
3) lease- need more info/advice

The car is not for me it will be for my sister, who only wants an A- class she has no clue about cars. I personally know better places to spend 12k.

Thanks (sorry if its wrong place section im still a newbie)

[Mo28]

You could use the £12k with a low interest loan from a bank for the £2-3k you need to make the difference to get the better spec car.

Also it is worthwhile to note that AMG Sport is the same as AMG Line, there was change in the specification names around 2015 I think. A quick look on autotrader shows that decent AMG Sport ones can be had for around £11K.

I have had two as courtesy cars for extensive periods, (A160p Sport and A220d AMG LIne). They come poorly specced as standard so try and look for a car that has had a few options ticked, get an auto as the manuals are terrible and try and avoid the smaller engined ones as they are pretty gutless.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by Mo28 on Sunday 10th March 22:05

[HustleRussell]

None of the above

Stretch the budget by a grand or two to the used car she wants. Fund the difference with a 0% credit card.

You always get st interest rates on used car HP. Bank loan is a better option. Pay half the interest.

[S54Love]

Not sure what years you are looking at, but you can get AMG Sports in your budget with reasonable mileages

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Imho, A classes really need the night package to look their best, especially with the bi-xenons. Regulars look naff with their halogens.

[rooflesstyrant]

I might be missing something, but there are plenty of AMG Sport A Classes on Autotrader with sub 80K miles for 10K to 12K.

[MAS123]

S54Love said:

Not sure what years you are looking at, but you can get AMG Sports in your budget with reasonable mileages

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Imho, A classes really need the night package to look their best, especially with the bi-xenons. Regulars look naff with their halogens.

Sorry i forgot to mention it must be an Auto!! I seen the last one but she isn't very fond of the colour.

[MAS123]

rooflesstyrant said:

I might be missing something, but there are plenty of AMG Sport A Classes on Auto trader with sub 80K miles for 10K to 12K.

Ive just noticed i was looking at just the 'Sport' and completely missed the 'AMG Sport' when selecting model variant on auto trader

[ZX10R NIN]

Stretch the budget by either getting a loan or 0% credit cards & buy (here comes the leftfield thinking) an Infiniti Q30 these are an A Class (drivetrain switchgear seats steering wheel etc) with a different body, the benefit is that you get a much lower mileage car.

1.6T Business Executive

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Premium Tech

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0T AWD Sport (think A250)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All the above benefit from still being in Warranty & having the option to extend the Manufacturers Warranty for extra piece of mind especially if you're having to stretch the budget.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 11th March 09:00

[nobrakes]

Left of left field is a 2009 1.8 CLK, steep at 9 grand. But it’s onky done 15,000 miles!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Bog standard mechanics and will get 40mpg on a run.