Mercedes A Class (Facelift first gen and new gen)
Discussion
My Wife is looking at A Classes to replace her Q3 which she finds too big for her use.
Budget is up to 20k preferably a bit lower - Find we are looking at 2017 on facelift first gen (have the apple car play, Euro 6 etc) and perhaps bottom of the barrel new gen. Some look ok in the price point.
In both instances they must have heated seats, be AMG Line and have LED lights not halogen. Otherwise, spec is fungible even the engine.
We test drove a 36k miles 2017 Premium Plus AMG Line yesterday - an A200d which I understand has the same engine as my old 2013 C220cdi but now Euro 6 and that particular one must have a smaller turbo too as it is lower power.
I actually really liked the way it drove, but starting it up it felt sluggish and a bit clattery......It was already warm too but had been valeted so I don't suspect anything untoward in terms of concealment.
At higher RPM it sounded very diesel-y, certainly much louder than my C220cdi was.
I started it a few times and they had another A200d in stock - Starting that one from stone cold was noticeably quieter. I am fairly convinced the chain was stretched on the one we were hoping to come home with. Is this a common issue? I understood the 2.2d unit to be a solid choice, albeit not as refined as other engines.
The newer shape is my preference as it feels a lot newer, they seem to be 1.3 petrols - any experience with these engines that you can share?
Budget is up to 20k preferably a bit lower - Find we are looking at 2017 on facelift first gen (have the apple car play, Euro 6 etc) and perhaps bottom of the barrel new gen. Some look ok in the price point.
In both instances they must have heated seats, be AMG Line and have LED lights not halogen. Otherwise, spec is fungible even the engine.
We test drove a 36k miles 2017 Premium Plus AMG Line yesterday - an A200d which I understand has the same engine as my old 2013 C220cdi but now Euro 6 and that particular one must have a smaller turbo too as it is lower power.
I actually really liked the way it drove, but starting it up it felt sluggish and a bit clattery......It was already warm too but had been valeted so I don't suspect anything untoward in terms of concealment.
At higher RPM it sounded very diesel-y, certainly much louder than my C220cdi was.
I started it a few times and they had another A200d in stock - Starting that one from stone cold was noticeably quieter. I am fairly convinced the chain was stretched on the one we were hoping to come home with. Is this a common issue? I understood the 2.2d unit to be a solid choice, albeit not as refined as other engines.
The newer shape is my preference as it feels a lot newer, they seem to be 1.3 petrols - any experience with these engines that you can share?
If it’s any help, I drive a lot of different cars, but of the same model. Even when new there is quite a considerable difference in engine noise, more pronounced in 4 cylinder diesels, some seem to have an extra high frequency rattle at higher revs in lower gears when there is less load, others just at idle.
This is even when fairly new, so not a chain issue.
This is even when fairly new, so not a chain issue.
I would normally recommend looking at the Q30 as they come with almost (Xenons rather then LED's) everything you're looking for but at a lower price but adding Carplay/Android auto is anything from £700-900 fitted.
But you are saving a fair amount compared to the Mercedes which is the same car, it does work well once installed though.
2.0T Sport in Touch, these are the same car as the A250 but with AWD:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210110...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
2.2d QX30 Premium Tech (same car as the CLA 220 AMG Sport) 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
2.2d Q30 Sport 170:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
But you are saving a fair amount compared to the Mercedes which is the same car, it does work well once installed though.
2.0T Sport in Touch, these are the same car as the A250 but with AWD:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210110...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
2.2d QX30 Premium Tech (same car as the CLA 220 AMG Sport) 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
2.2d Q30 Sport 170:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
Rozzers said:
If it’s any help, I drive a lot of different cars, but of the same model. Even when new there is quite a considerable difference in engine noise, more pronounced in 4 cylinder diesels, some seem to have an extra high frequency rattle at higher revs in lower gears when there is less load, others just at idle.
This is even when fairly new, so not a chain issue.
That is interesting. If it was just the noise whilst in motion at higher RPM I wouldn't have been that concerned, but sluggish start and what sounded like a chain taking slack was alarming. The car also had a wheel wobble at 70 which threw a TPMS warning up also. The garage suggested I buy it anyway and claim on warranty if the chain went lol. This is even when fairly new, so not a chain issue.
ZX10R NIN said:
I would normally recommend looking at the Q30 as they come with almost (Xenons rather then LED's) everything you're looking for but at a lower price but adding Carplay/Android auto is anything from £700-900 fitted.
But you are saving a fair amount compared to the Mercedes which is the same car, it does work well once installed though.
2.0T Sport in Touch, these are the same car as the A250 but with AWD:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210110...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
2.2d QX30 Premium Tech (same car as the CLA 220 AMG Sport) 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
2.2d Q30 Sport 170:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
It's a shame as they look like cracking cars - But the brand is important to her and I can't really moan, as I am pickier than she is when it comes to car buying. But you are saving a fair amount compared to the Mercedes which is the same car, it does work well once installed though.
2.0T Sport in Touch, these are the same car as the A250 but with AWD:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210110...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
2.2d QX30 Premium Tech (same car as the CLA 220 AMG Sport) 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
2.2d Q30 Sport 170:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
The 1.3T looks quite appealing to be honest, especially as she only does about 5000 miles a year - We have had 2 diesels with no issues though, as she is aware of DPF regen signs and we alternate cars for longer trips to give both a good run.
The main issue with the A Class search so far is lack of history - so many have huge gaps. In fact, a new model one we have spied on Cazoo looks good, has service 1, 2 and 4 documented - so may be a 20k gap being the only concern.
joropug said:
It's a shame as they look like cracking cars - But the brand is important to her and I can't really moan, as I am pickier than she is when it comes to car buying.
The 1.3T looks quite appealing to be honest, especially as she only does about 5000 miles a year - We have had 2 diesels with no issues though, as she is aware of DPF regen signs and we alternate cars for longer trips to give both a good run.
The main issue with the A Class search so far is lack of history - so many have huge gaps. In fact, a new model one we have spied on Cazoo looks good, has service 1, 2 and 4 documented - so may be a 20k gap being the only concern.
Not a problem, on the newer cars check with Mercedes as sometimes it's not documented but on the system so it's worth checking.The 1.3T looks quite appealing to be honest, especially as she only does about 5000 miles a year - We have had 2 diesels with no issues though, as she is aware of DPF regen signs and we alternate cars for longer trips to give both a good run.
The main issue with the A Class search so far is lack of history - so many have huge gaps. In fact, a new model one we have spied on Cazoo looks good, has service 1, 2 and 4 documented - so may be a 20k gap being the only concern.
ZX10R NIN said:
Not a problem, on the newer cars check with Mercedes as sometimes it's not documented but on the system so it's worth checking.
Yes I might do that, we were actually half way to viewing a car when I realised I hadn't checked the history - pulled over and phoned them and first 3 were missing..... Phoned mercedes in the hope that the garage hadn't thought to check, but unfortunately they actually had a note saying that the first 3 services were missed - it think it was admitted to them in year 4 when they saw it for the first time.
Beggars belief
Personally I don’t think there is enough of a difference between the pre and post facelift cars to worry about it, whereas the change to a W177 is significant.
We sold my wife’s 2013 A 250 a few months ago (changed to an A35) and it really was a great car and the simple addition of the plug and play NaviPlus screen made a big difference to the infotainment experience.
As such I wouldn’t pay around £20k for a W176 but spend around £15k for the best car even if it’s pre facelift, or push the budget up a touch for a W177.
If fuel consumption isn’t a key issue then I would recommend a drive in a 250 as it’s a great all round car for everyday driving.
ETA - look out for the engineered by AMG edition as this has some enhancements over a standard car and is identified by the red strip on the front bumper.
We sold my wife’s 2013 A 250 a few months ago (changed to an A35) and it really was a great car and the simple addition of the plug and play NaviPlus screen made a big difference to the infotainment experience.
As such I wouldn’t pay around £20k for a W176 but spend around £15k for the best car even if it’s pre facelift, or push the budget up a touch for a W177.
If fuel consumption isn’t a key issue then I would recommend a drive in a 250 as it’s a great all round car for everyday driving.
ETA - look out for the engineered by AMG edition as this has some enhancements over a standard car and is identified by the red strip on the front bumper.
Edited by barryrs on Friday 30th December 11:35
Joey Deacon said:
Audi Q3 length = 4485mm
Mercedes A Class length = 4419mm
Yes we have got the lengths of a number of cars down on paper, there is not that much between a number of contenders but she came from an A1 which is significantly smaller. Mercedes A Class length = 4419mm
I think it’s actually the width not the length, the q3 is quite bulbous.
Either way , sitting in an A Class it feels a lot smaller.
barryrs said:
Personally I don’t think there is enough of a difference between the pre and post facelift cars to worry about it, whereas the change to a W177 is significant.
We sold my wife’s 2013 A 250 a few months ago (changed to an A35) and it really was a great car and the simple addition of the plug and play NaviPlus screen made a big difference to the infotainment experience.
As such I wouldn’t pay around £20k for a W176 but spend around £15k for the best car even if it’s pre facelift, or push the budget up a touch for a W177.
If fuel consumption isn’t a key issue then I would recommend a drive in a 250 as it’s a great all round car for everyday driving.
ETA - look out for the engineered by AMG edition as this has some enhancements over a standard car and is identified by the red strip on the front bumper.
We’ve been doing a lot of searching today. I think we’ve agreed to up the budget to 22-23k to get a 2018 on model. I’ve found a nice specced one at a dealership, the interior updates are the biggest draw. We sold my wife’s 2013 A 250 a few months ago (changed to an A35) and it really was a great car and the simple addition of the plug and play NaviPlus screen made a big difference to the infotainment experience.
As such I wouldn’t pay around £20k for a W176 but spend around £15k for the best car even if it’s pre facelift, or push the budget up a touch for a W177.
If fuel consumption isn’t a key issue then I would recommend a drive in a 250 as it’s a great all round car for everyday driving.
ETA - look out for the engineered by AMG edition as this has some enhancements over a standard car and is identified by the red strip on the front bumper.
Edited by barryrs on Friday 30th December 11:35
I have reservations paying for a top money first gen facelift, especially as they are at car supermarkets and most seem to be dogs. If we can get a new shape from a dealer for a few extra k it makes a lot of sense. Budget creep for sure though!
Buy from a dealer. They may not be sexy but they're good cars. Don't overpay for lots of extras.
I bought one for a family member in Spring 2021 for £15k and thought I was overpaying. Since then prices have hardened significantly.
I wouldn't buy a diesel. The petrol cars are incredibly economical and free from any diesel complications.
I bought one for a family member in Spring 2021 for £15k and thought I was overpaying. Since then prices have hardened significantly.
I wouldn't buy a diesel. The petrol cars are incredibly economical and free from any diesel complications.
I never found the small screen a problem, but do look out for lack of features such as heated seats, parking sensors, etc.
More importantly some of the diesels and recently some petrols too only come with rear torsion beam suspension, which I found to be pretty bad.
More importantly some of the diesels and recently some petrols too only come with rear torsion beam suspension, which I found to be pretty bad.
Edited by page3 on Saturday 31st December 11:09
joropug said:
Yes I might do that, we were actually half way to viewing a car when I realised I hadn't checked the history - pulled over and phoned them and first 3 were missing.....
Phoned mercedes in the hope that the garage hadn't thought to check, but unfortunately they actually had a note saying that the first 3 services were missed - it think it was admitted to them in year 4 when they saw it for the first time.
Beggars belief
Sounds like an ex company lease car. Most likely serviced at a local garage or whichever maintained garage the lease provider contract locally. Phoned mercedes in the hope that the garage hadn't thought to check, but unfortunately they actually had a note saying that the first 3 services were missed - it think it was admitted to them in year 4 when they saw it for the first time.
Beggars belief
joropug said:
We’ve been doing a lot of searching today. I think we’ve agreed to up the budget to 22-23k to get a 2018 on model. I’ve found a nice specced one at a dealership, the interior updates are the biggest draw.
I have reservations paying for a top money first gen facelift, especially as they are at car supermarkets and most seem to be dogs. If we can get a new shape from a dealer for a few extra k it makes a lot of sense. Budget creep for sure though!
If you're spending that kind of money look for an AMG Line Premium Plus model:I have reservations paying for a top money first gen facelift, especially as they are at car supermarkets and most seem to be dogs. If we can get a new shape from a dealer for a few extra k it makes a lot of sense. Budget creep for sure though!
A200: this is the same 1.3t but with a bit more power
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212142...
A180:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211111...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212142...
A200 AMG Line Premium Plus, it's a bit over budget but it comes with a two year AUC warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208319...
We had a great day today, found a local 2019 A200 AMG line with the full large screen dash and nav, heated seats etc and….took a deposit on the Q3 we are selling. All came together nicely.
The 1.3 was nice to drive and it looked and felt like a new car.
Thanks for the advice. Was definitely worth spending an extra 3-4K to get into the newer shape.
The 1.3 was nice to drive and it looked and felt like a new car.
Thanks for the advice. Was definitely worth spending an extra 3-4K to get into the newer shape.
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