Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1998-)

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Second-hand ok value. Not worth new prices.

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Suspension-related faults too many.

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Hard ride and seats, though corners on rails.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very nippy for a diesel with 55mpg.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never broke down, just shook itself to bits.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Looks fantastic. Way ahead of its time. Superb use of space.

    Comfort

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Seats too hard, ride too hard, interior not Mercedes standard.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very good. Cat 1 as standard, auto-locking speed sensitive.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Replaced the rear swing arms FOC, even though this was a parallel import. Would only buy higher model Mercedes in future, as Mercedes can't make 'cheap' cars. Prefer pre-1996 build quality, too.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Aircon ECU failed. Suspension faults.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes