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

[gstar]

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

[Shiv_P]

Golf

[x5tuu]

I personally prefer the B to the A but if I were you id stick to a smaller engined petrol variant and just go for one that is in the right colour and has a good history file and MOT history

Loads have been owned by retired folk and have had easy lives (hence the petrol, rather than coke'd up DPFs from sub 5mile journeys)

[s m]

OP said:

MERCEDES A CLASS FOR A 17YEAR OLD - WHAT TO AVOID/

Elk test?

[andymc]

insurance

[HazzaT]

andymc said:

insurance

Yeah, you might need some free lube with the insurance premium. The A Class is a quite common daddy's princess type car (no offence intended) so they presumably get hefty insurance costs

[SidewaysSi]

gstar said:

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

Want to be my dad?

[ghost83]

A 180 seems popular the a220d is even nicer and worth the premium

[V88Dicky]

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

[Over over under steer]

Hi OP. I'd avoid the diesels, loud engines and prefer the petrol in this model.

I'd go for the 160. Do check the insurance first, if that's okay then go for it. Go in eyes wide open knowing they're not the most solid of Mercedes cars, but not awful either. A friend of mine's would only accept 1st gear around 30% of the time, and battled with Mercedes for the duration of their lease over it.

Otherwise enjoy in good health.

[Haltamer]

I suppose the type of driving that's to be done should be factored into the decision; If they're just going to be commuting 5 minutes to college every day and visiting mates nearby, petrol will be far better.

Personally, I've found myself doing more miles as my local friends from College moved up north to Uni - So there's a fair bit of motorway cruising to go and visit to get on the lash - Worth considering the possible future use too.

[Radec]

We've had 2 in the family both AMG A200d premiums and in the age range you've specified, didn't notice any excessive rattle for a diesel.

Rock hard suspension though and coupled with the Merc chocolate wheels you really need to take it easy over most roads and lookout for potholes consistently or the wheels will crack.

Servicing is quite expensive from Merc but as you're buying one for a 17 year olds first car I'm guessing it may not be that much of an issue for yourself.

What I will say though is they come with some really random specs sometimes even with premium line, where basic options will be missing on some cars compared to others like has nav but no Bluetooth.

Whichever you buy just make sure it has the basic options that you would want.

[Limpet]

Unless the car will be doing longer (>20 mile) runs at least weekly, avoid anything made post 2009 ish (and many several years older than that) with a diesel engine. It will be more trouble than its worth.

[smithyithy]

The small diesel engines in these aren't Merc engines are they? Are they from Renault?

Regardless I'd go petrol, AMG Line for the sportier looks, then buy on condition and history more than being picky re. premium Vs premium plus etc.

[gstar]

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)

[POIDH]

I am intrigued by insurance quotes....so I did.

Currently: 2012 Seat Ibiza 1.4 85bhp with my wife on business miles and full NCB, a 19 year old and a just passed 18 year old. £690 per annumn.
2015 Mercedes A180 petrol AMG Line with same drivers: £770.

SO not as much premium as I thought...

[anonymous-user]

SidewaysSi said:

Want to be my dad?

Certainly a much nicer car than my first car, an end of life MK3 Escort for £600. Actually it is much nicer than the car I drive now, a 2007 Megane DCI. Do parents really buy their children their "dream car" as their first car?

smithyithy said:

The small diesel engines in these aren't Merc engines are they? Are they from Renault?

Regardless I'd go petrol, AMG Line for the sportier looks, then buy on condition and history more than being picky re. premium Vs premium plus etc.

Yup, exact same engine as I have in my shed Megane, as I love to point out to A class owners. I expect there is a lot more sound deadening in the A class to make it feel more "prestige", but you are right it is a noisy old thing when cold.

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

[halo34]

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

Renault engine I believe - just branded cr@p essentially - image wins.

[Radec]

Joey Deacon said:

Certainly a much nicer car than my first car, an end of life MK3 Escort for £600. Actually it is much nicer than the car I drive now, a 2007 Megane DCI. Do parents really buy their children their "dream car" as their first car?

When I was about 19/20 really wanted an Impreza as dream car, so went over to a local import dealer with my dad after nagging him for ages he finally caved and said ok will contribute to buy you one.
Dealer took us out for a test drive in an modded STI Type R, then went around a roundabout at 50/60 mph.

After which dad told me to fk off.
Never did get to own one

[Dimebars]

Keep in mind the engine tie-up with Renault and avoid anything with French guts