New A class or GLA - Need some info please

[Maxi4]

Hi All,
Im looking for some feedback/info on these 2 models as Im looking to replace the 2nd car.
It will be used mainly for the school run and occasional longer trip (~100 mile round trip). So, need your help and advice:

Budget is around - 18 K (not sure if I can get a GLA for that budget!!!)

1. Whats better A or GLA (I need a car that goes in all weather and condition, as the wife is a nervous driver)
2. For both whats the most recent facelift (year/month)? so I know which ones to go for
3. The wife wants one with COMAND, shes only going to use it mainly for the sat nav. So, is it worth paying extra for COMAND when becker can do what she wants? What does COMAND have that becker doesnt in both GLA/A?

As always, appreciate all your input!

Many thanks

Pete

 

[clk270]

I think you'd struggle to find a basic GLA for your budget, never mind one with Command. I've been looking on the configurator as a potential company car option, and even the smallest diesel engine, in lowest sport spec is nigh on £30k with some of the cheaper optional extras. Given the GLA hasn't been around for long, you'd need a despearte private seller to get one under £20k.

A class facelift in effectively now, so anything in the used market is original variant. I'm not sure too many A class will have specified COMMAND, and if they did chances are they were the more expensive models to start with. As an indicator there is a this one at motorpoint but only has map pilot - maybe a marker for your budget though..

Used or Nearly New Mercedes A Class A200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr [Map Pilot] [NP] red for sale in Derby | Motorpoint

 

[Maxi4]

Thanks CLK270, I wasn't sure if 18K would be enough, I maybe able to go up a few more K's, however, this would mean that go with some kind of finance (which I'm trying to avoid)

 

[grober]

GLA will give a more comfortable ride. An aftermarket Sat Nav or a Becker map pilot bought from a reputable third party seller will save you money if you are strapped for cash . The one thing I dislike about the A and GLA is the poor visibility from the driving seat due to the high waist /dashboard line.

 

[Ted]

GLA isn't cheap - I priced one up, and for the spec I wanted it was around 33K - stupid money.
Maybe a Mini Countryman or Jeep Renegade? A new one is within your budget, and the Latitude is quite well specced (but a little over budget)

 

[clk270]

Cheapest GLA on autotrader website, nationally, is ca £24k

there are a handful of A class with COMMAND on autotrader at just under £18k, for 2 year old cars.

 

[grober]

Seriously worth a look?
[YOUTUBE HD]pBkEWHS891I[/YOUTUBE HD]

 

[Maxi4]

Grober - the Nissan although makes a lot of sense, is a non-starter. She doesnt want one of those
Thanks anyway, I enjoyed the review

Pete

 

[Meldrew2]

Grober - the Nissan although makes a lot of sense, is a non-starter. She doesnt want one of those

Always hard to bring a budget and a wish list together… compromise might be needed.