Buying advice for a B-Class

[HumberMart]

Golf Plus is Ok, but its not as good as a normal Golf. Its ugly, cheap looking interior plastics, slow performance, top-heavy, poor fuel economy and worse of all are the residuals, after 3-years its worth a significant amount less than a normal Golf, I'm talking 4-figures here. Does handle better than Mercedes' small offerings, but other than that a largely pointless car.

Nice that we all have different tastes. I've never been a VW fan, but was won over by my wife's Golf Plus that she had before the B Class.

I think they look better than the normal Golf, and the interior (same as the Tiguan) is also a step up from the (Mk 5) golf (IMHO).

Her's was a 1.9TDI, although far less refined than the 2.0 TDI's, wasn't much worse than the B180, and just as fast. It averaged 45-50 mpg, thus more economical (albeit it was a manual)

Certainly never noticed anything top heavy about it, but I may agree about depreciation - but that just makes them a better used buy than the normal Golf.

btw, she had a Jazz before than (with a Suzuki SX4 in between) and we'd always recommend the Jazz. The SX4 was ok, but poor economy, expensive servicing, and needed more sound proofing (however most of these issues are supposed to have been improved on a recent update).

 

[J400uk]

I'm not saying its a bad car, but as an overall package Mercedes A/B or an ordinary Golf is a better bet. Agree the Jazz is good, but its a bit out of its depth when compared to bigger German metal.

Re the interior, I've only ever been in the pre-2007 Golf Plus with cheap looking plastics, cheap looking steering wheel and cheap looking centre console. Newer versions meant to be better with more kit. Perhaps when kitted to the same level as the Benz there's not so much between them in that area.

 

[MrT]

Sis-in-law had a broken spring on her B-class. And a failed water pump which meant dropping the engine to change it

Fortunately both were when the car was under warranty.

Looks like they might be expensive cars to run without a good warranty.

The auto is a CVT 'box, which would put me off them personally.

Went for manual because of this.

 

[GordonTarling]

Have you considered a C class? Might be a better choice than a Golf.

 

[Captain Yellow]

If you're looking at a Golf Plus, it's probably wise to take a look at the Seat Altea too. But I don't think either of these tick the original posters box about the high seating position.

I've just changed my Altea 2.0TDI Sport for a B180 CDI auto SE. Much, much smoother ride compared with the Altea's sport suspension and a totally different driving experience.

First impressions are that build quality is very good with materials as good as, if not better than, those you would find in a Golf etc, but these seem to be better finished. I've also noticed a number of very small touches that indicates the quality of the finish, such as the brush strips covering the arc where the lugs for the adjustable boot floor travel.

It's the first auto I've ever had, so can't compare the CVT to other autos. I would say, though, that it does make for a relaxing ride. However, if you are a "press on" sort of driver, I can see where a manual would be preferable.

I'd also be more inclined to listen to the views of those who have owned and lived with the car in question than those who have had them as courtesy cars. Having browsed a number of forums before ordering mine, I found that there were several posters criticising the A and B classes they got as courtesy cars when their AMG's etc were in for service.

 

[kay7]

Nothing wrong with B class. My wife had 2 so far: 1st- B180 sport cdi auto, 2nd B150 auto sport. both with leather, comand, aircon and so on. 1st one got sold sold due to : auto box failure( at only £ 18k miles ?!!? ) , 2nd one - we found it smashed in a car park so insurance had to pay back. Now she drives a C180k as we have 2 now .
Problems with B class!? None! The ride was a bit rough, but ok to handle. For the price you pay for a B class , you`d better be with any C class. Just check prices. Insurance is the same, services are a bit different as C class could be more expensive.
Its a good city car, probably not as good as an a3 or mini, but we loved it. Just remember: It`s a Mercedes ! You drive a car with a strong reputation, not a brand with toys( ie bmw, audi ). The choice is yours.