A series but which is best for my 17 year old daughter

[bigcahooner]

I,m looking for an A class for my 17 yr old daughter. Obviously it will need to be a 140, 160, or a 170d due to insurance premiums. Does anyone have any advice on which is best and any problems they may have. Also anything specific to look for when buying an A class ?
Thanks for any help

 

[neilrr]

Also anything specific to look for when buying an A class ?
Thanks for any help

A different model? I've heard they're pretty rubbish.

 

[grober]

If your are thinking about a second hand W168 out of manufacturer's warranty you can buy a lot better car for the money IMHO. The W169 is a better proposition http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=230

 

[st4]

The new shape ones, like hawk20 had are meant to be good.

Personally your 17yr old would be better with a C class coupe (if you are going the MB route) or a BMW 318 (e46) compact.

A ford focus or current shape astra would also be a nice car for her (safe enough in a bump) but still a managable size for a new driver.

 

[jeffwebb]

I don't understand why some people are so anti the A Class. I suspect a bit of unconscious snobbery. I bought a W169 200 CDi here in Spain and love it to bits. There's no point having a big car here as the parking spaces don't allow for it. I've had Comand, ipod, cruise and cd changer retro-fitted and i can honestly say it's as comfortable, quick and as nice to be in as my old W203.
Regards, Jeff.

 

[wemorgan]

Add the Audi A2 on to the short list.

 

[kwakdonut]

Is she a new driver bigcahooner?? Personally, if she is, something that she doesn't mind bending or pranging may be better for her first year or so? An A Class may be a little be too 'posh' (for want of a better word!) for a new driver? Might be better off with something older - I'm not being discrimanatory btw but the stats for new drivers and accidents is somewhat high!

If not, definitely the newer shape A Class, a much improved car over the first shape. Probably the 140/150 manual perhaps?

 

[kwakdonut]

A different model? I've heard they're pretty rubbish.

But have no experience of what is, actually, a pretty good car!

 

[Dieselman]

Might be better off with something older -

And without alloy wheels unless your local council has removed ALL the kerbs....

 

[nick mercedes]

I,m looking for an A class for my 17 yr old daughter. Obviously it will need to be a 140, 160, or a 170d due to insurance premiums. Does anyone have any advice on which is best and any problems they may have. Also anything specific to look for when buying an A class ?
Thanks for any help

Get a facelift A140 manual, reliable, cheap and come with AC.

Safe too.

 

[maddog]

A car for a 17 yr old ???

Something cheap and disposable , there is a reason insurance is high in the first year........17yr olds crash a lot , still a lot of learning to do in the first year best not to have anything too decent imo

 

[whizzkid11]

I don't understand why some people are so anti the A Class. I suspect a bit of unconscious snobbery. I bought a W169 200 CDi here in Spain and love it to bits. There's no point having a big car here as the parking spaces don't allow for it. I've had Comand, ipod, cruise and cd changer retro-fitted and i can honestly say it's as comfortable, quick and as nice to be in as my old W203.
Regards, Jeff.

Jeff, It's like Windows Vista... the first version A Class ( W168) was best parked on top on a rubbish tip....

The W169 is a much better/quality car - I would have one as a runaround - I had a W168 which I only drove for 19miles before it went back to supplying dealer!

First impressions last, and unless you try the new one, and with an open mind, you will never get over the stigma!

That's life - however my recommendation for a 17yr old would be a cheaper run around car for a year, until she is happy with her driving and more confident. Start with something like a new shape Corsa - they are a good new driver car.

 

[fabes]

Polo

Wide range, choice, price and solid (and pretty reliable)

Even some Street Cred in da hood (I am reliabily informed by da yuff next door who has one)

 

[gina2201]

Why not buy a nice car for a first car, if you can afford it and don't mind or worry too much about any possible lumps and bumps!

I sold my parents 07 Punto to a couple for their 16yo daughter to learn and have as her first car, mainly because the of the 5* NCAP (?) safety rating.

If you want a nice car, get her one! I started with a Pug 205, then rolled it, then had a polo <<<< great little car! Then a quick succession of others, but always end up in a Merc!

 

[lil.smartie]

Get some insurance quotes, you might shock a few people! They are a small car iirc they are not much larger than a Ka length wise but the high seating position is great for visibility and as there are a fair few about parts shouldn't be too bad either for when that 1st bump happens! (we managed 13 months before that one with my step-son!)

If you are going to use the car try Swift-cover but they don't cover under 21's as main drivers. Also try Tesco, Diamond can be good but we weary of their 10 month policies to get 1yr bonus as no-one else will honour it!

Good Luck!

Kate

 

[Dryce]

A different model? I've heard they're pretty rubbish.

Original A is a bit so-so.

Current versions are quite good.

If I was buying a car for a youngster ESP would be a definite plus.

 

[timskemp]

I'd have no problem with an original A. Suspension is crap - manages to be harsh and not sporty, think Audi but taken to more extremes. ESP, ABS, BAS on all models, front drive and airbags too.

Steering column joints get screwed, probably due to afterthought of a right hand drive setup, and aren't cheap at main dealers. Suspension knocks and rattles its way to an MOT fail but other than that they're safe, practical and reliable, driving position is odd but good from a visibility and control point of view. I ran one for a year and did over 30k miles in it, if I needed to save cash and buy a small car I'd have another (though as others have mentioned a new shape one or a B is a much better car).

Plenty of them around, A160CDI is very economical - diesels suffer usual injector issues. Plastic panels and bumpers will take minor knocks without denting too.

 

[fuzzer]

I had an A160 Elegance for my first car back in 1999 was brand new.

so , perfect first car. fire in Did me no harm.

 

[dino645]

If it was me, I'd buy the strongest Benz possible with the smallest engine (insurance) and I'd remove the back seats and weld the back door shut. Or buy a 2 seater!

Saw a few youngsters today and the back passengers were obvoiusly distracting the driver: The car swerved into the kerb, and span off the road, only to wheelspin back onto the road at a ridiculous speed.

So many things to think about. I'm not slating the A-class but the A pillar can actually create a blind spot. I'd be thinking safety.

 

[grober]

Mixed messages ??

I had an A160 Elegance for my first car back in 1999 was brand new.

so , perfect first car. fire in Did me no harm.

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39668&highlight=class+clutch

Engine out to renew a starter motor????? If you are looking for a stylish city car then you won't go far wrong with a petrol Toyota Aygo or its Citroen C1/ Peugeot 107 clones. If you want to go a bit bigger the latest design 3 door Vauxhall Corsa 1200 petrol ( its really an OPEL /German design ) as has been suggested already.