New A class

[MissyD]

Guys, I'm after some guidance please, my no.2 son is looking at getting a pre loved new shape A class. Any advice what he should look for please, thanks

 

[Mr Filipov]

Erm elsewhere really. An overpriced hatchback that is not a proper mercedes in my opinion.
If he is really set on it, then make sure it is not the 1.5 180d badge as this is the same shared renault engine, at which point you really have to question why are you buying a mercedes in the first place.
Apparently the b pillar creates a massive blind spot for taller people with the seat further back. That is what I have heard.
Other than that I know nothing to do with the a class and intend to keep it that way. Someone more knowledgeable should be along soon.

 

[liamt]

Erm elsewhere really. An overpriced hatchback that is not a proper mercedes in my opinion.
If he is really set on it, then make sure it is not the 1.5 180d badge as this is the same shared renault engine, at which point you really have to question why are you buying a mercedes in the first place.
Apparently the b pillar creates a massive blind spot for taller people with the seat further back. That is what I have heard.
Other than that I know nothing to do with the a class and intend to keep it that way. Someone more knowledgeable should be along soon.

I disagree with the "not a proper Mercedes" comments. I love mine and find it just as much a Mercedes as the other models (we also own a C Class), when I first got mine a lot of strangers commented on how nice it is, Horses for courses I suppose.

I do however agree with the Renault 1.5 Engine (180d or 160 as I think it is now), although economical and ideal for city driving it is rather dull (and as previously commented a Renault Engine). MissyD, do you know if he is after a Petrol or Diesel? I have the 200d which I think is brilliant, I find it is economical and it goes when you want it to which is enough for me. If you're looking at Diesels this would be the one I'd pick, you can get the 220d in the A Class however these are hard to come by as I believe they don't build many. I originally looked at the 220d but was told I'd have to wait 3-6 months for a factory ordered car which is why I have the 200d which I like. Obviously it goes without saying an AMG Line A Class has a lot more road presence that the standard car and tends to be an obvious choice. If you get one with the AMG Night Pack which includes the black alloys be prepared for some road noise on rough roads, however I find this not too loud and bearable. Desirable options on the car is the mainly premium plus pack which I have ( I think the Pano roof is excellent), you also get electric folding Mirrors, intelligent lights and command online (Mercedes Me). If you're going for an approved used as you've stated I'd look to get a 66 reg car or earlier (plenty low mileage ones about) as you won't get stung by the road tax band changes.

Liam

 

[Mr Filipov]

A diesel is not ideal for city driving as you will probably have problems with the DPF.
As for it being a proper Mercedes, let me just think what Mercedes is known for... front wheel drive hatchbacks, oh wait that don’t sound right.
Big wafty cruisers with rear wheel drive.

 

[liamt]

A diesel is not ideal for city driving as you will probably have problems with the DPF.
As for it being a proper Mercedes, let me just think what Mercedes is known for... front wheel drive hatchbacks, oh wait that don’t sound right.
Big wafty cruisers with rear wheel drive.

I know what Mercedes is known for....The A Class clearly sells and there is a market for it, simple really. Perhaps the city driving wasn't the best example I know cars can have problems with the DPF. Personally I don't know why they still offer the 180.

Let's get back to the topic at hand.

Liam

 

[kianok]

[QUOTE="Mr Filipov, post: 2520031, member: 116800"
As for it being a proper Mercedes, let me just think what Mercedes is known for... front wheel drive hatchbacks, oh wait that don’t sound right.
Big wafty cruisers with rear wheel drive.[/QUOTE]

By that rationale I assume that a Cayenne isn't a real Porsche?

Does the CLA fall into the proper Mercedes category Just because it has a boot?

 

[Mr Filipov]

@kianok it is just a glorified Touareg. As for the CLA it is a no from me again. It is nowhere near big enough nor is it rwd.

 

[grober]

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review | Parkers
QUOTE:-The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is proof positive that a car's success isn't directly related to how good it is. It's not that the A-Class is a bad car – it's just that for your money, there are many more capable cars out there.

For

• Rakish, sporty styling
• Low-emission diesel option
• High brand values
• Stunning A 45 performance

Against

• Expensive to buy
• Not that exciting to drive
• Ride comfort compromised
• Servicing expensive

 

[JBD]

Erm elsewhere really. An overpriced hatchback that is not a proper mercedes in my opinion.
If he is really set on it, then make sure it is not the 1.5 180d badge as this is the same shared renault engine, at which point you really have to question why are you buying a mercedes in the first place.
Apparently the b pillar creates a massive blind spot for taller people with the seat further back. That is what I have heard.
Other than that I know nothing to do with the a class and intend to keep it that way. Someone more knowledgeable should be along soon.

What a completely useless response


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[JBD]

Guys, I'm after some guidance please, my no.2 son is looking at getting a pre loved new shape A class. Any advice what he should look for please, thanks

If it’s in budget, I’d recommend sticking to a facelift model, which is usually 65 plate onwards. What sort of age is he? Obviously age comes into it when thinking about insurance costs


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[gIzzE]

Erm elsewhere really. An overpriced hatchback that is not a proper mercedes in my opinion.
If he is really set on it, then make sure it is not the 1.5 180d badge as this is the same shared renault engine, at which point you really have to question why are you buying a mercedes in the first place.
Apparently the b pillar creates a massive blind spot for taller people with the seat further back. That is what I have heard.
Other than that I know nothing to do with the a class and intend to keep it that way. Someone more knowledgeable should be along soon.

Do you find people often move away from you when you sit down near them?

 

[gIzzE]

I like the A Class, I wish it was RWD, but it doesn't seem to understeer like many VWs and Audis do, and feels 'nicer' as a package than most cars that size.
I would take the BMW 1 Series personally, still one of my favourite cars regardless of price, we have owned 3 now and will probably have a go with an M140i at some point as I loved my 130i.
But I completely understand many will not buy a BMW regardless, if that is the case than I think the A Class is a great option.

Mr Filipov, your ignorance makes your comments sound ridiculous. By your reckoning we should still only have one front wheel.

 

[MissyD]

Thank guys for your comments both good and bad. He is 29, looking for a diesel auto as it will be mainly motorway driving. He is hoping to buy before Christmas but is waiting on finances as he is buying some property atm, thanks.

 

[grober]

Remember the auto in the A class is the twin automated clutch type [ a la VW/Audi DSG type box] and not a torque converter "slush box"

 

[MancMike]

I see the “overpriced” tight-**** brigade got here quickly!

The new A Class looks excellent and of course it’s going to be more expensive than a Renault Cleo it’s a Mercedes FFS.

If you’ve sat in both you’ll understand where the money has been spent.

 

[gIzzE]

I would however avoid the Renault engine, been told there are lots of faults and Renault are a pain as they want to see each one before signing off replacements, even though it is the same fault every time. Which means customers can go weeks without their cars when in reality it could be sorted very quickly.

 

[Mr Filipov]

Do you find people often move away from you when you sit down near them?

Funny you should ask that. No. I like to meet up with like minded people, plus we do not sot there discussing what is a proper car and not, there are more important things.

 

[liamt]

Thank guys for your comments both good and bad. He is 29, looking for a diesel auto as it will be mainly motorway driving. He is hoping to buy before Christmas but is waiting on finances as he is buying some property atm, thanks.

In that case I'd look for an A200d AMG Line with the premium plus pack, 65 plate onwards if in budget. I'm 26 and the Insurance for mine was around £500 this year with 5 years NCB, I'm sure he'll be able to get a decent quote if he shops about. I've paid a lot more to insure a Peugeot 208!

Liam

 

[Alf Barnet]

As a counterpoint, I was no A class fan until I had one as a courtesy car. Petrol base model, drove really well and rode as well (honestly) as my S212 wagon. Very suprised.

 

[claspknife]

Unsure of the posters attacking Mr Filipov.

You can agree to disagree but why the personal attacks?

He just offered his opinion. You don't have to agree with him.


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