Mercedes A Class for a 17year old - what to avoid/ look for?

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My son's dream car today is the A class so it's on the birthday list. I will stick to manual shift and think my choices are either A180 diesel or A160 petrol.

Anyone here have a view/ pointers? I read diesel version is rattly which kind a kills the Merc vibe...? Don't mind high mileage assuming well looked after - that an issue? Likely years will be 2013 - 2016 (tops)....

A 160 AMG Line
A 160 AMG Line Executive
A 160 AMG Line Premium
A 160 AMG Line Premium Plus

A180d AMG Line
A180d AMG Line Executive
A180d AMG Line Premium
A180d AMG Line Premium Plus

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thanks for input folks ... sounds like petrol might be the way to go... esp as I will stick 1k miles on it to keep it oiled and running

insurance - am resided to the fact that premium for a 17yr old will be silly ... but suspect son will not pass test for 6months or so, so insurance is OK for now while he has to drive with me in tow. My thinking is he should lose that "first drive heavy pedal abuse" by the time he passes, having driven the car as a learner.

Golf was the other option, but I know he'll just want to swap it for the Merc badge.

B class - I already own - likely am 1 of 5 owners in the country in 2015 when they may the electric version... super car (even if only max 90miles on the battery)

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AMG line is simply that, just a line for the exterior AMG moulds and wheels - under bonnet agree its Renault engineering. Son has saved me a few years of private schooling fees, so I don't feel so bad on forking out something I feel has reasonable re-sale market if he needed to swap.

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what do you see for an "older" car that might fit his (my) needs... too high bhp and I'll just be paying sunk cost to my insurer....

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yep, my son will know the diff W176 vs W169... my fault really taking him to car showrooms since he migrated out of the pram and maybe those Airport trips in sound proofed E-Class Merc private taxis.

Will check out a couple of diesel models this w/e to assess that engine. I think I know the answer but worth a looksie for sanity given A180 CDI models are 3k less than petrol.

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ZX10R NIN said:

I'd go for the A160/180 AMG Line in petrol form, if he's not doing the miles then the petrol will be the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108096...

A180 AMG Line Premium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...

I know it doesn't have a Mercedes badge but it's an A Class in everything but the sheet metal.

Q30 Premium in Touch 122:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

Thanks/ not considered infinity and I am 99% at the Petrol end of market.

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Chainsaw Rebuild said:

As an aside op; you could consider explaining how much difference a years now claims bonus will make to his insurance. Then tell him he has to insure it himself.

That’s the deal my Dad did with me, and consequently I did drive relatively conservatively! Where as my mates parents paid for everything and he drove like a fool. Including into the back of someone. :-)

Yes and a good idea, that's the plan - he is aware of this is not a bottomless pit of funding (still chasing my dreams) so hoping that will steer him sensibly

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Fat hippo said:

Is he going to be allowed to drive the FF?

Hmm... one engine at a time pls!

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Just a quick update for folks following this chat - finally took the plunge after a 3 months of scouring Pistons/ Autotrader and the likes... car being prepped at main dealer - went for the lowest Hpowe (102) petrol - an A160 AMG line (2018 but pre-facelift) petrol and manual. Tested it - great drive, pokey enough for a young person and lowest on insurance group. Need to find a quote plus black box to "help" manage any 1st issues that tend to arise... Will update on quote and photo snap after external is prepped.

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Update b4 I share where I ended up on insurance.. some pix of the actual A160 picked up today from York and 4 hr drive back south - no complaints from me (does not have all bells and whistle options on but looks (its a cavansite blue metallic - works when waxed for sure) and drives a quiet cabin and moves sufficiently for a young person). Currently looking over insurance for me (250£ odd + change) and separate (not named) policy in my sons name to build up a track... Marmalade is around 1.1k fully comp for year w/Black box or 300£ for 6months while a Learner Driver as long as another insurer is at play... so all in all, no-where near the £2k odd numbers I expected, a pleasant Saturday surprise.

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Suspect this will be the best it'll ever be so figure snap before reigns are taken!

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Car has a pre-install for garmin pilot so only a disc needed...however with Android Auto/ Apply carplay already avail, no real need for Sat nav - my son's first move was to connect his phone before releasing the electronic brake! That gives him all his Apps including likes of Waze + Google Maps. Parking sensors were a must so have those incl camera. The "premium" model adds seat heating (unnecessary in my mind on non-leather seats). If we missed anything, it was ambient lighting - Merc does that well but think taking 2 years MB warranty gazumped that.

I suspect my son would say straight piping would have been nice or a Novitec kit... yeh, shine on!