An A Class to Spain and back

[pint6x]

Agressors normally do meet defenders. And if you come just to be negative about Mercedes it should hardly be a surprise on a Mercedes forum to meet some positive thoughts about the marque.

I am here because I have a soft spot for the marque. I am not, however, blind to the faults which have made themselves known over the years.

I think we can safely say that Mercedes has had some "quality surprises" in a number of different classes over the last few years. For a good selection of comments (both good and bad) read the used car guide that exists on the what car website for the A-class.

For a premium brand there are far too many people saying they wouldn't touch the marque again after their experiences with the A-class.

 

[pint6x]

I honestly do not understand why you would want to post on a Mercedes forum other than to antagonise other people and start petty squabbles.

My post wasn't designed to start petty squabbles - if it does that's a sad reflection on the people that take it as such.

Again, as I said in my previous post - I like Mercs a lot - that's why I am here. I am not, however, blind to the marque's failings.

If you read one of my previous posts, I quoted a mechanic with one of the best, most well-established german car specialists. If anyone is likely to have an insight into the reliability (or otherwise) of any german car - this is the man for the job.

About a year ago, I was weighing up a Merc E-class estate against a Volvo V70. My heart said "Mercedes", and believe me I did a lot of research, as this was what I really wanted. I ended up with a Volvo because of the rust issue for the W210 - those of us who buy (typically) 3 to 4 year old cars, who are outside the warranty period need to rely on our wits a bit more, as we don't have that safety net to fall back on.

Those of you with A-classes, enjoy them, and I hope your don't fall foul of some of the problems I've been reading about on the what car used buyers' guide.

Last but not least, don't shoot the messenger - I'm merely reporting on information which is available by talking to the right mechanic or reading the right internet site.

 

[Robbo]

I think we can safely say that Mercedes has had some "quality surprises" in a number of different classes over the last few years. For a good selection of comments (both good and bad) read the used car guide that exists on the what car website for the A-class.

For a premium brand there are far too many people saying they wouldn't touch the marque again after their experiences with the A-class.

Yes, everyone is well aware of that, but it's old news. If you were really up to speed with mercedes cars, you'd know that the quality issue has been taken very seriously by mercedes and cars made in recent years are pretty bullet proof. And that includes the A class.

 

[television]

My post wasn't designed to start petty squabbles - if it does that's a sad reflection on the people that take it as such.

Again, as I said in my previous post - I like Mercs a lot - that's why I am here. I am not, however, blind to the marque's failings.

If you read one of my previous posts, I quoted a mechanic with one of the best, most well-established german car specialists. If anyone is likely to have an insight into the reliability (or otherwise) of any german car - this is the man for the job.

About a year ago, I was weighing up a Merc E-class estate against a Volvo V70. My heart said "Mercedes", and believe me I did a lot of research, as this was what I really wanted. I ended up with a Volvo because of the rust issue for the W210 - those of us who buy (typically) 3 to 4 year old cars, who are outside the warranty period need to rely on our wits a bit more, as we don't have that safety net to fall back on.

Those of you with A-classes, enjoy them, and I hope your don't fall foul of some of the problems I've been reading about on the what car used buyers' guide.

Last but not least, don't shoot the messenger - I'm merely reporting on information which is available by talking to the right mechanic or reading the right internet site.

Yes I have to go along with a lot of what you say. The rust is one thing that bugs me, and it affects cars almost across the entire range. I only have to look at the wheel arch liners on my V70R not a spec of rust in sight after 9 years of standing out. The MB liners allow mud to sit between the wing and the so called liner, and any car will go rusty while that mud is allowed to sit there wet all winter or after a rain shower. looking at a 210 last week, the chrome trim on top of the bumper was blistering all over, where are MB buying their metal, its worse than what Citroen back in the 70's. Saying that they are nice to drive, and my last 124 300TE was a great car as is my SL but then that is not a car for everyone owing to the price and seating etc. I know that things are much better now, but a hard choice when buying a 4 year old car or more. Talking to a guy outside Tesco with his 7 week old 211 with blisters all round the front A post where it meets the screen, he was devastated.

 

[Rory]

Yes, everyone is well aware of that, but it's old news. If you were really up to speed with mercedes cars, you'd know that the quality issue has been taken very seriously by mercedes and cars made in recent years are pretty bullet proof. And that includes the A class.

I'm sure an new A or B, covered by 3yr w'tee, would be fine. If though, like pint6x, you're looking at 3-4 yr old cars then there are some very scary stories around about how complex (ie expensive) repairs can be due to the way the cars are designed.

 

[hawk20]

Suggest some of you look at this thread for 100,000 miles in an E class: -
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=27534

All cars have some detractors. All makes have some bad examples coming out of the factory. We can all find a mechanic who says peugeot are great, or even Rover or Citroen. Tiny samples tell us nothing. The biggest survey is JD Power. Three things stand out to a Merc lover. Ist Merc have done much better in recent years. 2nd they are clearly up with BMW, Audi and the like nowadays. Thirdly all the leading luxury makes score remarkably close to each other. Just look at the actual scores and not just the rankings. Some Mercs are now ahead of some Toyotas -once the paragon of reliability. All cars are now incredibly complex and full of electrical and electronic goodies. The BMW 5 series finished 54th in JD Power but I don't see any of you ranting on about BMW's problems. And look where the hideous BMW 1 series finished compared with the A class.

Just read again what I posted earlier about what owners in large numbers are saying about the A class to JD Power: -
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Rating 81.1%
Overall ranking 28th=
The A-Class ran a very close second to the Corolla Verso. It seems Mercedes has got its act together on the reliability front and, like the Toyota, it performed extremely well in this area.

Interior build quality proved to be the A-Class's major strength - owners reported no nasty niggles, rattles or glitches. Heating and ventilation systems, the stereo and the seats also got the thumbs-up, and the engine and transmission proved to be strong.

The A-Class scored highest for exterior styling. On the downside, owners felt costs of service and repair were too steep.

 

[Robbo]

I'm sure an new A or B, covered by 3yr w'tee, would be fine. If though, like pint6x, you're looking at 3-4 yr old cars then there are some very scary stories around about how complex (ie expensive) repairs can be due to the way the cars are designed.

Yes, I'm well aware of quality problems with many MB cars made between 1999-2003, I own one and have had my fair share of trouble.

The point is though that this thread is about the W169 A class which is a very reliable car. Pint6x posted here questioning that, and all the evidence so far points to his/her? assertion being flat out wrong.

I think we have a responsibility to correct false assertions before they become folklore.

 

[pint6x]

Suggest some of you look at this thread for 100,000 miles in an E class: -
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=27534
The BMW 5 series finished 54th in JD Power but I don't see any of you ranting on about BMW's problems. And look where the hideous BMW 1 series finished compared with the A class.

Well, this being a Merc forum, we're unlikely to get people defending BMW!

Personally speaking, I would never have a 5 series, and I think the 1 series is a triumph of badge snobbery over design.

BMW cars carry too much in the way of stigma these days - they have had their time - it was back in the 80's.

 

[Rory]

On the downside, owners felt costs of service and repair were too steep.

And that's exactly the point - I certainly wouldn't want to take one on once out of warranty or ServicePlus (which few people seem to know about) coverage. So the residual %'s are going to be horrendous, especially if you load it with options. I do hope you leased or PCP'd yours.

 

[pint6x]

The point is though that this thread is about the W169 A class which is a very reliable car. Pint6x posted here questioning that, and all the evidence so far points to his/her? assertion being flat out wrong.

I posted a wry comment about a new A class surviving 3000 miles, my tongue firmly in my cheek. At no stage did I say the new model (W169) was a lemon.

Still - good to see so many of you leaping to its defence

 

[BTB 500]

I agree that the new A class appears to be a much improved car.

However AFAIK there is still a price to pay for the excellent interior space if/when something fairly ordinary like a starter motor needs to be replaced:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39668

Not an issue for new cars under warranty, but it may become one a bit further down the road when the owner is paying for the work.

 

[TonyVianoAmbiente]

Where does that leave the B Class, then?

The B Class is positively cavernous!

Like the A Class, it is a Tardis, just even bigger inside. It offers as much room as an E Class in a car that is only about the length of a Vectra or Mondeo.

 

[Rose Chap]

I've driven an A200 diesel manual and an A150 petrol CVT, both courtesy cars, both unpleasant and not something I'd buy.

I also drove a 118 diesel recently and whilst horrid to look at, it was a much better drive than either A Classes.

I'm sure there is a market for A Classes and I'm sure they are reliable, but to me they do not exemplify what it means to drive a Mercedes-Benz.

 

[Robbo]

Fair enough point, but there are loads of others who disagree, MB have sold over 500,000 W169 A classes since launch 2 years ago!

 

[Rory]

Fair enough point, but there are loads of others who disagree, MB have sold over 500,000 W169 A classes since launch less than 2 years ago!

That seems way too high. DC corporate figures always combine A & B Class numbers, and the combined figure may well be 500K (we know they recently passed the 250K mark with the B Class).

 

[Robbo]

http://www.baby-benz.com/portal/new-a-class-w169-/500-000-w169s-delivered.html

 

[Rory]

http://www.baby-benz.com/portal/new-a-class-w169-/500-000-w169s-delivered.html

Fairy Nuff - but it's actually over 3yrs since launch, not less than 2.

 

[hawk20]

And that's exactly the point - I certainly wouldn't want to take one on once out of warranty or ServicePlus (which few people seem to know about) coverage. So the residual %'s are going to be horrendous, especially if you load it with options. I do hope you leased or PCP'd yours.

Actually I checked the residuals before buying and they are not bad at all. Glass's Guide shows 3 years old on a 54 plate with 30k miles at £9,100 average condition and £10,100 in excellent condition for the A180cdi which I have bought. I'm more than happy with that. That's at least 50% residual on what you need to pay to buy new. Lots of good deals around too.

 

[Robbo]

Fairy Nuff - but it's actually over 3yrs since launch, not less than 2.

Doesnt time fly! I thought it was only 2.

 

[Robbo]

And that's exactly the point - I certainly wouldn't want to take one on once out of warranty or ServicePlus (which few people seem to know about) coverage. So the residual %'s are going to be horrendous, especially if you load it with options. I do hope you leased or PCP'd yours.

Depends if you paid full price, we paid £4k under retail price for ours (21% discount) on a new unregistered model on an end of year stock clearance. Residuals on ours will be fine!