Mercedes A Class - £15k
Discussion
I have a budget of £15k (that is absolute max - it started at £13k!).
Any advice on if I am better off going for a slightly older (2015/6) with lower mileage, or a newer version with higher mileage.
In terms of requirements, it needs to be Automatic. Mileage will not be high - not more than 5k a year if that! On that basis - I would imagine petrol is the better solution.
It's for my elderly father - so keen to avoid any models with known issues etc.
Any advice on if I am better off going for a slightly older (2015/6) with lower mileage, or a newer version with higher mileage.
In terms of requirements, it needs to be Automatic. Mileage will not be high - not more than 5k a year if that! On that basis - I would imagine petrol is the better solution.
It's for my elderly father - so keen to avoid any models with known issues etc.
If your dad wants a nice A Class then I'd go for a sensible mileage A250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302244...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303044...
A200 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301313...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302284...
Now if your dad likes the A Class then take a good hard look at the Infiniti Q30 (it's exactly the same car as the A250 above BUT it has AWD & a nicer interior then the A Class) Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211262...
You get a newer lower mileage car that's top spec & still all Mercedes apart from the bodywork.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302244...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303044...
A200 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301313...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302284...
Now if your dad likes the A Class then take a good hard look at the Infiniti Q30 (it's exactly the same car as the A250 above BUT it has AWD & a nicer interior then the A Class) Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211262...
You get a newer lower mileage car that's top spec & still all Mercedes apart from the bodywork.
When buying any car I'd always pick newer/higher miles over older/lower miles, especially as your Dad will be doing comparatively few miles. There's more chance it will have done longer journeys on motorways that are lower stress, had a chance to get warm, etc, and also less chance it'll have been clocked.
Petrol engined versions of the mk3 A Class use either a 1.6 or 2.0 litre variant of the M270 engine. Go for one made after 2014 as there were a few improvements made to the reliability after then. In some rare instances, the timing chain or turbo can fail around 80,000 miles - more likely in cars with missed services or ones that have had the wrong oil put in them, so get one with a full dealership history. Here's a couple of A180s
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302174...
I was going to suggest something equipped with the VW group 1.0/1.2/1.4 TSI engines as they warm up really quickly, which is good for elderly people that tend to make short journeys, but then they are equipped with the not so great dry clutch DSG gearboxes.
Petrol engined versions of the mk3 A Class use either a 1.6 or 2.0 litre variant of the M270 engine. Go for one made after 2014 as there were a few improvements made to the reliability after then. In some rare instances, the timing chain or turbo can fail around 80,000 miles - more likely in cars with missed services or ones that have had the wrong oil put in them, so get one with a full dealership history. Here's a couple of A180s
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302174...
I was going to suggest something equipped with the VW group 1.0/1.2/1.4 TSI engines as they warm up really quickly, which is good for elderly people that tend to make short journeys, but then they are equipped with the not so great dry clutch DSG gearboxes.
We have a 2017 B200 (slightly taller A class) been very reliable and comfortable for the 6 years (45k miles) we have owned it.
Personally I would go for the 200 or higher to get a bit more power, my wife doesn't care.
The AMG line trim looks nice and sporty but comes with a harder ride and low profile tyres, while not a big problem it's worth driving a SE or sport before deciding on the AMG line.
There was an update in 2017 which bought Apple car play, bigger screen and a few other updates which is worth noting if you are looking at age vs miles.
Depending on your dads age, mobility and how long he wants to keep the car take a look at the B class. Its a more family / mumsy version of the A class but my mum really likes the seat height and how easy it is to get in and out of now she's in her late 60's.
Most German taxis are either E class or B class and they run for hundreds of thousands of miles so should be capable of covering the distance.
Personally I would go for the 200 or higher to get a bit more power, my wife doesn't care.
The AMG line trim looks nice and sporty but comes with a harder ride and low profile tyres, while not a big problem it's worth driving a SE or sport before deciding on the AMG line.
There was an update in 2017 which bought Apple car play, bigger screen and a few other updates which is worth noting if you are looking at age vs miles.
Depending on your dads age, mobility and how long he wants to keep the car take a look at the B class. Its a more family / mumsy version of the A class but my mum really likes the seat height and how easy it is to get in and out of now she's in her late 60's.
Most German taxis are either E class or B class and they run for hundreds of thousands of miles so should be capable of covering the distance.
Thank you for all of the replies so far - will keep looking. My search has extended to the B class (as suggested above) and now have also come across the all electric version which is another option (we already have a charger installed). Someone also suggested a 350e - but seems like they have lots of problems!
Another one for the B Class and B200....its quick for a family car and has a big boot to go with it, also all the reviews about a harsh ride is BS. Its a great car, very reliable, good mpg on long runs and smart/well equiped. Managed to get a low mileage example 63 reg for £12k. They were 27k new i believe and its still worth probably 3/4k less as theyre rare in the more powerfful 150bhp guise which is the merc engine, the lower powered one is a Renault i believe which no disrespect if im buying a merc i want a merc engine really.
Had it 6 years. If we were selling it id let you know as its still low mileage at just over 50k. But were not as its a great car. Plenty of head room for my wide 6ft 3 frame too and like others have said its a good seating position. Id plump for the B class over the A class too.
I had also seen the B class electric creeping in around the 12/13k mark.
Good luck, PM us if you need anymore information.
They are however a PITA To work on as my local Merc Specialist states, the engine is crammed in. So just be aware some jobs may cost more labour wise.
Had it 6 years. If we were selling it id let you know as its still low mileage at just over 50k. But were not as its a great car. Plenty of head room for my wide 6ft 3 frame too and like others have said its a good seating position. Id plump for the B class over the A class too.
I had also seen the B class electric creeping in around the 12/13k mark.
Good luck, PM us if you need anymore information.
They are however a PITA To work on as my local Merc Specialist states, the engine is crammed in. So just be aware some jobs may cost more labour wise.
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