Questions about buying an A-Class 2000

[wizard]

Hi MB Club,

I have just recently joined this forum as i am hoping to buy an A-Class, mainly looking at A160 ********** on a 2000/2001 model.

My budget is 3k.

I have experience in buying cars and i usually look for the usual things like;

• Full Service History
• How Many Owners
• Mileage

What common problems are or things i should look out for when buying an A-Class. What costly things usually start popping up on cars that are around 50k or 60k miles.

I have been told that these cars have timing chains rather than timing belts so i guess i save money on that.

Any help will be much appreciated guys.

 

[Rory]

Just don't. It's a Mercedes so it's going to have Mercedes sized repair bills bumped up by the fact that the design of the A Class makes it difficult (therefore expensive) to work on. Some parts are only available in modules so are much more expensive than they need to be. It's going to be 9 or so years old - that's end of economic life for a mass-produced car. £3K is mad. if you could get one for a grand it might be worth a gamble as long as you didn't get suckered into pouring money into it.

Buy an early Honda Jazz or something like that.

Have look here: Car review: Mercedes Benz A-Class (1998 - 2005)

 

[wizard]

Damn man
Are they that bad?

 

[Michael G]

Damn man
Are they that bad?

Yes so unreliable and they have poor build quality avoid them like the plague it was rubbish in its day and its rubbish now.
If you have the time save up for a new generation W169 A class.
If not buy a Honda Jazz.

 

[Smiley]

Good advice here; if you dont believe them take a look on the car by car breakdown on www.honestjohn.co.uk

You have been saved a fortune by this forum!

 

[wemorgan]

The A-class takes a bit of a kicking in this forum. Certainly they seem to offer a lot for the money vs. the competition (Audi A2).

Some owners on here rate them highly, so it's not all bad.

 

[lynall]

All cars have their faults but reading here and elsewhere it seems the A class also has everyone elses.

My wife always buys whatever cars she wants usually based on looks and nice colour and i offer my opinion, but if she wanted an A class that would be the end of it



Lynall

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Any reason why your after an A-Class? how about a C-Class (W202) from around 98-00 far greater build quality & toys for the budget.

 

[wizard]

They cant be that bad tho surely, especially with full main dealer service history?

Are they that hard to work on?
I kno under the bonnet it looks really cramped, and when i come to think about it, mechanics will probably have to take the whole engine out to repair something minor but will charge loads on labour.

#where are all the A-Class owners in here that can vouch for them?:bannana:

 

[Michael G]

They cant be that bad tho surely, especially with full main dealer service history?

Are they that hard to work on?
I kno under the bonnet it looks really cramped, and when i come to think about it, mechanics will probably have to take the whole engine out to repair something minor but will charge loads on labour.

#where are all the A-Class owners in here that can vouch for them?:bannana:

No, really they are if you do want an original A class do go for a facelift and a manual, the autos had many problems.
I would reccomend a w202 as well way better built look nice and a nice one can be had for near enough £3K.
Do get a W202 you won't regret it.

 

[johny5_uk]

Totally agree with Rory, stay away.
I know each one may be different but I had my fair share of problems when I bought a 2001 A140 a few years ago for about 5K.

I spent loads, new front springs, £500 (one snapped)
New Starter motor cost about £500 fitted due to engine removal etc
Engine light came on and it needed a replacement ECU or MAF (cant remember which) but that was a further £200 reconditioned.
There were other faults but I fear I might have apanic attack if I go on...

Fair enough I must have just had a hooky one but I was told to stay away mainly for the high repair cost due to the hideously placed engine but I stupidly bought it as I loved the fact the rear seats could be removed and it turned into a nice sooty van/skip running vehicle!

I drew a line and traded it in when the front wiper started having issues and there was knocking coming from the steering. The front wipers splines had worn totally off and god knows what that would have cost to replace the drive/spline.

 

[Michael G]

Nice to see you stuck with Mercs after that, a lot of people I know would've got annoyed and bought a BM.
What made you stick with MB?

 

[johny5_uk]

I drove BM company cars for about 12 years and then bought my own BM.
I got sick of not been let out at junctions and the constant harassment from other drivers along with the tarnished "BM driver" name
jumped on the MB bandwagon a few years ago with an slk (loved the auto box) then a clk and now an e class coupe.
The A class was a town runabout for the wife but I got shot of that and she is running a peugeot 207 now.

 

[Michael G]

I drove BM company cars for about 12 years and then bought my own BM.
I got sick of not been let out at junctions and the constant harassment from other drivers along with the tarnished "BM driver" name
jumped on the MB bandwagon a few years ago with an slk (loved the auto box) then a clk and now an e class coupe.
The A class was a town runabout for the wife but I got shot of that and she is running a peugeot 207 now.

You've seen the bright side now, BM's are for people who have everything to prove. Mercs are for people who have nothing to prove.
Your E class looks fantatic the coupe is quite a looker enjoy it.
Once you get hooked on Mercs you will never go back.

 

[bennesspipers]

DONT buy a W168 Auto, JUST DONT. £5000 repair bill if the auto box goes. KillerHERTZ has just recommended 98-2000 C class,much better but can be rusty, however the 94-95 C class is a solid car,and some are still rust free,i know,iv got one. I love it,wouldnt sell it for 4 times what i paid. Not quite so many toys as on the later ones is the only slight drawback if you're into that stuff.

 

[verytalldave]

IF you REALLY, REALLY want an A Class, take out a loan and buy one of the early Mk2 facelifted cars.
It could even be the cheaper option in the long term.



Unless you can find one with a GENUINE really low mileage (under 20K)............

 

[Smiley]

You've seen the bright side now, BM's are for people who have everything to prove. Mercs are for people who have nothing to prove.
Your E class looks fantatic the coupe is quite a looker enjoy it.
Once you get hooked on Mercs you will never go back.

hmm sorry but you are plain wrong. I have nothing to prove to anyone; run an old w124 because I like it and run a newer beemer convertible because er I like it. Totally different driving experiences both excellent at what they do. I have had several 3 series and 5 series beemers, and several c class e class 124 and 190e's as well. So All this tosh about people starting on BMWs and then somehow growing up and getting old and discovering how much better a MB is just that - tosh. With regret I have to say that the 124 aside the Mercs have all been beaten by their BMW competition for the overall ownership experience - just my opinion.