Audi SQ5 or Mercedes GLA45

[JamesL14]

I am currently torn between both of these cars and wanted to get some views or experiences from anyone who has owned / owns either of these cars.

I have around 24k to spend so would be looking at a 2014-15 plate and around the 40-60k miles for both.

Will be driving each one this weekend for the first time but have not been able to find a huge amount online for reliability especially as these cars would be coming up for 6-7 years old.

If you could choose either, which would it be?

Would appreciate any insight.

[anonymous-user]

Not driven either, but they strike me as being very different. GLA is pumped up A-Class, and the Q5 is A4/5 based, so a good size up.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're in a different class if it's a family car then the SQ5 is the better bet.

[Mo28]

Have you considered a Porsche Macan?

[Pistonheader101]

GLC45 would be the comparison

[monzaxjr]

I bought the SQ5. As mentioned by other posters its a size up & more practical as a family bus. A Gla was on my shortlist as well but the Audi seemed to be better built and more comfortable and rides well even on the 21's. Despite being diesel it also sounds better than the Gla. Its also an effortless cruiser and the performance is impressive for something of its size. As far as I know they are pretty reliable with very few reported problems. Just make sure whatever you buy has a proper service history and has been looked after.

[anonymous-user]

Pistonheader101 said:

GLC45 would be the comparison

43

[stevemcs]

I always thought the gla45 would be a great car - until I drove one, the SQ5, I hate Audi’s but there is something very nice about the SQ5, I would pick it every time.

[JamesL14]

Mo28 said:

Have you considered a Porsche Macan?

The amount of miles ones I could afford with my budget have done would be too high for my liking. I also feel like the running / servicing costs of one would be higher than a SQ5 or GLA45. Not sure if that is correct though?

[popeyewhite]

The SQ5 has a very shallow wading depth IIRC. A sensor in the exhaust (linked, ironically, to an 'improved' exhaust note), means wading depth is essentially the height of the exhaust above ground. That sensor gets wet and it's big bills... . Kinda makes one aspect (ride height) of the SUV rather pointless.

[JamesL14]

I have narrowed it down to either of these models:

2015 Audi SQ5 / 48k miles or 2015 GLA45 with 63k miles.

I have driven both and like both in very different ways. I liked the feel of the Audi and the slightly higher driving position (which I did not think i would), but the cabin and navigation / media systems felt abit dated.

The GLA45 felt much more modern inside and actually felt great to drive also (right now I think I prefer the 45).

A big part of this for me will be costs going forward. I know that performance cars like these will be costly to run and I am fine with that but equally I do not want to pick up a car that is going to give me a million problems down the line.

Is there either of these with these mileages that fellow PHers think would be more reliable than the other and less likely to incur higher costs to replace / fix down the line?

[Dave Hedgehog]

the preface lift 45 gearbox (the one you are looking at) is pretty slow and dimwitted, it got a new box in the 380bhp facelift

there are a lot of options for the 45 that totally transform how it drives, mag ride, performance pack, LSD diffs etc.

running costs are moderately high, i avg'd 23 mpg, main service is £600 and front discs and pads from merc £1250, expect big bills if you get a problem with the engine or gearbox. One man forged internal engines are not cheap

[JamesL14]

Dave Hedgehog said:

the preface lift 45 gearbox (the one you are looking at) is pretty slow and dimwitted, it got a new box in the 380bhp facelift

there are a lot of options for the 45 that totally transform how it drives, mag ride, performance pack, LSD diffs etc.

running costs are moderately high, i avg'd 23 mpg, main service is £600 and front discs and pads from merc £1250, expect big bills if you get a problem with the engine or gearbox. One man forged internal engines are not cheap

So you would lean towards an SQ5 rather than a 45?