GLA45 as a Daily Drive

[Greenmantle]

I don't do weekend cars so I am looking to change my daily drive in the next 6 months. The GLA45 has caught my eye and my budget would probably only stretch to the pre face lift model. Yes I am probably going through the mid life crises but you only have one life and all that.

Would like to know real world experiences of living with one and what options should I be looking at. For me the aero pack looks great. I'm aware that if you went and did it after market then its a new spoiler to take the wing. Not that fussed about the front winglets. Also the upgraded leather seats rather than the red alcantara covering looks more grown up.

[Webdunk]

I ran a facelift GLA45 as a daily for 3 years. It's a cracking car and does a lot of things very well. If you can stretch to facelift, do it - not so much for the power but for other wee tweaks that phased in.

Options wise I agree on the exclusive leather, the cabin is a much classier place without the red accents everywhere.

Aero pack brings canards and spoiler. Night pack the window tints and 20s. Together they take up to ~4mpg off the economy. I realise economy may not be top of the list of criteria in such a car, but worth mentioning.

Command would be nice. HK was a nice stereo (and brings the sunroof with it). ILS is an option I would spec from new or seek out now but I suspect very few cars had it specced so may be tricky on secondary market.

My car needed no remedial work in its near 30k miles. The gearbox is definitely a weak point tho and what ultimately made me change cars. I'm not referencing the internet apocryphal tales of disintegrating gearboxes rather I'm referencing it's dull wittedness is maybe 10% of situations. If you're pushing on and in manual mode, it's mega, but if you're pottering about in an urban environment in comfort and auto, sometimes it's just daft and doesn't behave in a useful fashion at all. It can leave you looking very silly at junctions and once or twice was dangerous.

Servicing is annual and my inclination would be to stay main dealer even with the attendant cost. MB warranty after 3 years is spectacularly expensive. But it's a car I would want a warranty on. 3rd party offerings are near a third of the price.

HTH

Edited by Webdunk on Thursday 15th August 10:49

[Greenmantle]

Wow thanks for the info.
This has certainly pushed me onward to get this done and have some fun.

[dhutch]

What sort of money are these going for now?

[off_again]

My sister and BiL have a facelift one. They love it and BiL is VERY picky with cars, especially the more expensive they get. Only had it around 10 months, but not had any issues. Yes, they have commented that it feels flat-footed occasionally, but they came from an Audi with the DSG and have commented its better - though I am not sure they are confusing power with occasional slow changes etc.

They are already thinking that they will replace it in a year or so. They did have a Tesla 3 on order but canceled it. Sticking with petrol for a few more years!