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

[SVX]

My money would be on a first gen A-Class A190, my previous partner and I ran one from ~60K miles to ~140K miles without missing a beat. Just fluids, tyres and brake components in the 6 years she ran it as a daily. Ours was a manual, but from using a similar model as a loan car, the autobox was a bit lethargic. An A210 Evo, is on my Station/Tip run list should I ever need one. Biggest gripe was changing headlamp main beam bulbs, that required taking the front bumper and grille off to gain access. Torx bolts, Plus Gas and an impact driver got the job done.

[MC Bodge]

gstar said:

My thinking is he should lose that "first drive heavy pedal abuse" by the time he passes, having driven the car as a learner.

? I didn't lose that for quite a long time.

In my day <cue Hovis ad music> young lads who were bought nice/fast cars by generous parents ended up crashing them quite soon afterwards. So did the people in cheap cars, but 950 Fiestas were easily fixed or replaced.

is An A-Class a desirable car to "the youth" these days?

I'd prefer an older Fiesta Zetec-S or Swift, even as a middle-aged man, I suspect.

Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 12th November 11:26

[sam.rog]

I had a 220d amg on long term hire (7 months). It was awful, the engine was torquey but very noisy, ride was harsh and jarring, didn’t like the interior design and build quality was poor. It had more rattles than any other car I can remember driving.

The bmw 1 series that I had as another loan car was much better in every way. None if this will mater though as he wants a Mercedes.

[AC43]

V88Dicky said:

The young lass over the road from me has an A180d, and I’m not kidding when I say it’s the loudest car in the street, and not in a good way.

It’s somewhere between a knackered builder’s Transit, and a washing machine full of snooker balls.

But Mercedes badge etc

They do sound horrific. Cement mixer full of boulders. Metal toolbox falling down a flight of stairs, etc. I've no idea how anyone can put up with it.

Petrol all day long. And much less to go wrong.

[AC43]

Joey Deacon said:

How is a 17 year old going to get insured on a petrol AMG line?

"AMG Line" is just marketing bollx.

There's no V8 involved in one of these, just a badge and some stick-on bits.

[anonymous-user]

AC43 said:

Joey Deacon said:

How is a 17 year old going to get insured on a petrol AMG line?

"AMG Line" is just marketing bollx.

There's no V8 involved in one of these, just a badge and some stick-on bits.

I understand this, but surely the "sporty" bolt on wheels and body kit make the insurance much higher?

[MC Bodge]

AC43 said:

Joey Deacon said:

How is a 17 year old going to get insured on a petrol AMG line?

"AMG Line" is just marketing bollx.

There's no V8 involved in one of these, just a badge and some stick-on bits.

Wouldn't a 17 year old prefer something that could be driven/handbrake-turned across a field or a beach for DIY rallying? A bit more ground clearance helpful and more suspension compliance for the inevitable launch and landing from a humpbacked bridge.

[anonymous-user]

MC Bodge said:

Wouldn't a 17 year old prefer something that could be driven/handbrake-turned across a field or a beach for DIY rallying?

With the introduction of electronic handbrakes I think the 17 year old rite of passage learning to handbrake turn is consigned to the history books.

Shame, because even as a 48 year old I think it looks cool as fk when done right.

[gstar]

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.

[MC Bodge]

Joey Deacon said:

MC Bodge said:

Wouldn't a 17 year old prefer something that could be driven/handbrake-turned across a field or a beach for DIY rallying?

With the introduction of electronic handbrakes I think the 17 year old rite of passage learning to handbrake turn is consigned to the history books.

Shame, because even as a 48 year old I think it looks cool as fk when done right.

Too right.

Another reason to get him an older, more fun, car.

Razzing about in, and finding the limits of, a small shed has to be more enjoyable.

[MC Bodge]

gstar said:

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.

I'm definitely of the older car that doesn't need worrying about school of thought. Re-sale need not be a consideration.

[gstar]

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....

[C Lee Farquar]

My 17 year old daughter has Malcolm, 2010 petrol. 40,000 miles.

Pictured here getting a free air bag replacement.



They did an inspection whilst there, all green.

She likes it, and I'm surprised to say I like it to. It's well built and quiet, simple chunky switch gear and comfy. It's not fast but brisk enough if you wind it up.

Perfect for the job.

[anonymous-user]

It sounds like his son wants the W176 2013 on model which caries a significant price increase over the W169 model. I assume he would turn his nose up at a W169.

[LightningBlue]

I’m surprised a few people assume he wants the original MPV A Class, clearly he wants the nicer 5 door hatch. I also wouldn’t listen to the ‘avoid Renault’ engines- there’s loads of old Meganes, Clios on the roads, plenty down my street and they haven’t had any issues. He’s very lucky to be bought any car let alone a Mercedes

[MC Bodge]

gstar said:

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....

I don't know what your "needs" are, but you can't really go too wrong with a Fiesta or Focus.

[Panamax]

Facts,

• Base 160 is a very decent car.
• Petrol is incredibly economical. You should easily see 45 mpg.
• Insurance is not expensive at all.

Opinion,

• Great cars for young drivers.

[C Lee Farquar]

Joey Deacon said:

It sounds like his son wants the W176 2013 on model which caries a significant price increase over the W169 model. I assume he would turn his nose up at a W169.

Yes, probably right. My daughter knows nothing about cars so this wasn't an issue for us.

[gstar]

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.

[MC Bodge]

gstar said:

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.

It may not be very PH, but chugging around in a diesel, unless used only for long journeys, seems a bit wrong these days.