looking to buy my first Mercedes

[Moysie]

Can anyone help?

I'm looking to buy my first Mercedes(04 plate A140 5DR Classic SE) would this be a good buy for a first timer, if so what shoukd I look out for and are there any weaknesses.

I look forward to any feedback

Moysie

 

[jibcl500]

Moysie

Um, no get a yaris..........

Sorry only joking, well sort of joking anyway, the A is a great car in some respects, steer clear of semi auto or full automatics.

Airflow meter can be an issue, time chains snapping is another, steering column and rack another, rear trailing arms, coil springs rear another, alternator and starter motor replacement is an engine out job, but other than that great car.

jib

 

[SQ_W211]

Moysie

Um, no get a yaris..........

Sorry only joking, well sort of joking anyway, the A is a great car in some respects, steer clear of semi auto or full automatics.

Airflow meter can be an issue, time chains snapping is another, steering column and rack another, rear trailing arms, coil springs rear another, alternator and starter motor replacement is an engine out job, but other than that great car.

jib

Whats left??? lol must have scared poor Moysie

 

[Miffy]

lol, does anyone really class an A class as a merc?

 

[hawk20]

Yes it is an excellent Mercedes. See JD Power and the AutoExpress survey and it is better than most Mercedes.

But go for the 2005 onwards new model which is generally agreed to be a vast improvement. The autos are fine on the new model.

My brothers A class is four years old now and has done 40k miles without missing a beat. Great cars. All the room of an E class in a remarkably parkable package. My brother averages 60mpg on a run in his manual A160cdi. I averaged over 50 mpg in my automatic A180cdi. My daughter gets mid fifties on a run in her A180cdi manual.

See this thread: -
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=48220

 

[keith100]

Moysie

Um, no get a yaris..........

Sorry only joking, well sort of joking anyway, the A is a great car in some respects, steer clear of semi auto or full automatics.

Airflow meter can be an issue, time chains snapping is another, steering column and rack another, rear trailing arms, coil springs rear another, alternator and starter motor replacement is an engine out job, but other than that great car.

jib

Ouch!

I think in legal circles that would be admired as a thorough hatchet job.

 

[rhud]

Bit of 'Anti-A' sentiment emerging again! Hawk is spot on. Avoid the pre-2005 cars if you possibly can and go for the re-vamped model (169) 2005 onwards (equivalent would be A150 Classic SE). The car was transformed in every respect from this point on - especially build quality.

 

[A180 Dream]

I notice quite a lot of "Anti-A" sentiment on these forums..............Why??

I have recently ordered my new A170 Petrol Avantgarde Blue Efficiency and now been told by my dealer that Mercedes are in the process of redesignating the A Class and the A170 that I have ordered (Factory build new) will be redesignated as an A180..........(Still with the 1.7 litre petrol engine)

Confusing??

 

[PanzerMcGrory]

I must admit that i am one who feels a lot of mercedes models de-value the brand in my eyes.

cue the kicking !!

 

[Moysie]

Thanks to those that replied!

Despite the mixed reveiws I went ahead and purchased the Merc A Class, as I got a deal!!!

Thanks again

Moysie

 

[PeterCLK]

Congratulations.
Please post a report in a few weeks letting us know how you like it.

 

[Bam Bam]

My wife has owned hers coming up to 3 months now and she loves the car. It's a late 2003 petrol A160 Elegance and it's covered 45k miles, it was a private buy.
I've only driven it a handful of times and the first thing that's obvious is it's a totally different Merc to others, not just in looks but in most other respects.
The drive in town is on the firm side but on the motorway at speed it's fine, it's built with a more fragile feel than any of my previous Mercs (W201, W202, W208, R170) and that's probably the reason some say "it's not a proper Merc".
What she most likes about it is the higher driving position and better visibility which comes with that, the interior space for such a small car she says is very cleverly designed and entry and exit (ooh er, cough) being a step in and out job rather than a climb down and a clamber out. Comfortable driving position with the centre armrest and the top of the door panel for you right elbow.
A few minor negatives are a blindspot behind the more bulky A-Pillar, she also didn't like the look of the centre rear headrest in the rear view mirror so I removed that and she is still getting used to parking it due to not being able to see the front end !!!, anyone who has driven an A will verify this.
As well as the engine out jobs mentioned previous which also include the clutch if that goes (£800) I'd expect there may be fewer smaller garages which would work on them due to the cars quirky engine/gearbox layout. We were also told of rear springs unseating themselves and the dreaded Semi-Auto's causing problems which I was already aware of.
Overall I'd say it's got more +'s than -'s providing you get a good one with a service history and you are really sure it's the car for you. Don't buy one on a whim just because it has the 3-pointed star as you may be one of the few who think they are not proper Mercs.
The wife covers 3k miles per year and she'll probably keep it for 3 years so in that time I'm hoping the Starter, Clutch, Steering Rack and Gearbox all behave within the next 10k miles.
Anyhow if you like the car as much as my wife likes hers you've made the right decision for yourself.
Happy motoring and good luck. Jim.

 

[hawk20]

I notice quite a lot of "Anti-A" sentiment on these forums..............Why??

I have recently ordered my new A170 Petrol Avantgarde Blue Efficiency and now been told by my dealer that Mercedes are in the process of redesignating the A Class and the A170 that I have ordered (Factory build new) will be redesignated as an A180..........(Still with the 1.7 litre petrol engine)

Confusing??

I'm afraid you do sometimes have to put up with the pompous who like to feel they have a real Mecedes and you don't. Don't let it worry you. I've owned an S class, and an A class. Both were true Mercedes.