The old A-class question

[Mr Chiltern]

Hi guys

Im looking to buy an A-class 160 for my daughter. I've heard that they had problems in the early years but after X-reg all the main problems were fixed.

Can anyone offer any advice on which ones 'not' to buy?

Many thanks for any help.

James

 

[hawk20]

Pre X-reg ones?

 

[Micman]

AClass

Hi

I used to own a 99 V Reg A190 Avantguarde fully loaded with the AMG bodykit and 17" alloys. A lovely car which was 2 years old when I bought it.

I had the following problems with mine: The Rear suspension is the thing to watch out for, it was forever groaning and various parts of it failed. I had the wishbones replaced under warranty, had new shock absorbers etc etc, lost count of the number of small suspension parts on the rear!! Shake the car and listen for any groaning sounds coming from the rear suspension when you wobbly it, also look at the camber angle of the rear wheels, if they are leaning in alot then something is up - you can also tell by how even the tyre wear is on the rear tyres, mine used to wear quickly on the inside edge.

Having said that, that was really the only problem I had with it and found it to be a great practical runaround that lookled good and was very cheap to run.

I heard of alot of people having trouble with the steering rack too, so check for any knocking sounds from the steering. I never had any probs with mine tho.

Hope that helps you a bit - don't be put off it they are great little cars!
I had mine for 4 years and it never once left me stranded at the side of the road and started first time everytime!