pending A class purchase

[kp 115]

I am looking to purchase a A160 avantgarde 1999 with 59000 miles on the clock, is there any known problems I should look for or check weather it has been done?

many thanks

kp 115

 

[rpe2]

Steering column, MAF, roll bar links.

Servicing/ problem costs totally disproportionate to the market sector to which this car was pitched.

Buy a newer Focus instead.

 

[jibcl500]

If its semi automatic or full automatic then dont buy it.

jib

 

[jibcl500]

There are a few things to look out for on the early A class, rear suspnsion trailing arm bushes wear, steering column joint and steering racks, coils springs on the rear break, air flow meter and ECU fail, they are combined as one unit, wipers can jam and snap off, front suspension and roll bar links, auto and semi auto boxes are problematic at about 50k, starter motor and alternator according to mercedes are an engine out job to replace but some indies can do it with engine dropped 8 cm.

Other than that nice cars we have one.... servicing is cheap through indies, I do the A service on a a160 for £120 including mercedes parts.

http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.1.htm

jib

 

[kp 115]

thanks

Many thanks for the swift replies, pre armed with the areas to check.

regards

kp 115

ps. its manual !

 

[Nick1964]

There are a few things to look out for on the early A class, rear suspnsion trailing arm bushes wear, steering column joint and steering racks, coils springs on the rear break, air flow meter and ECU fail, they are combined as one unit, wipers can jam and snap off, front suspension and roll bar links, auto and semi auto boxes are problematic at about 50k, starter motor and alternator according to mercedes are an engine out job to replace but some indies can do it with engine dropped 8 cm.

Other than that nice cars we have one.... servicing is cheap through indies, I do the A service on a a160 for £120 including mercedes parts.

http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.1.htm

jib

According to this, the cars sound an absolute shambles and sound as if they would be best avoided. Perhaps a Golf or A3 would be a more sensible choice.

 

[kp 115]

A160 Avantgarde

purchased car, just fitted 4 new Michelin tyres as those fitted were passed their best, otherwise car seems to be ok!
thanks for the advise

kp 115

 

[jibcl500]

Good for you, any probs shout.
jib