The A Class series are some of Mercedes most flexible vehicles, and offer impressive interior space in a small, compact and attractive package. Used Mercedes A Class cars represent good value for money, as you will be able to get a practical, powerful vehicle with that special up market image that the Mercedes badge can bring. However there are a few things you need to consider before you think of buying a used A Class model.

Problem Areas
The early models are known for their cheap, plastic moulded interiors and also that disturbing propensity to turn over under certain high-speed conditions, (failing the standard industry ‘Elk Test’). So avoid the early models if you can and go for the later versions that corrected this roll over problem and also upgraded the interior. Take the car for a test drive and if you are looking at one of the Sept 2000 and Jan 2001 models, give the brakes a really through test, as the brake master cylinder is a known weakness on these models and is expensive to replace. On all models try manoeuvring the car with the wheels on full lock, and listen out for any noises coming from the power-assisted steering pump, as this can often fail on the A Class models, and again is expensive to replace. Ignition systems and electrics are also a weakness, so listen to the start up carefully, and let the engine idle for a few moments and check the revs remain constant. Fluctuating revs can be a sign of electronic faults. Check over the wiper arms, door trims and window seals for signs of rust or excessive wear.

Service History and Ownership
Check the paperwork very carefully, and ensure the car has had frequent services over the years. Well maintained models represent a sensible investment, as the overall build quality of the car is very good, however if things go wrong it can start getting expensive so it is more important than ever to try and make sure the car you are buying has been well looked after. If there is no service history at all with the car, you should look into getting a professional engine and chassis inspection carried out before you hand over any money.

Diesel or Petrol
The diesel models balance performance and economy with ease, and you get a responsive, aggressive engine with high mileage capabilities. The petrol models provide just that little bit more performance and ‘driveability’, and although the mileage is lower than the diesel it is still not bad with around 40 -50 mpg achievable under normal road conditions.

Cost
The early standard A140 and A160 models with around 100,000 miles on the clock can be sourced privately for around £2,000, which really is a lot of car from not very much money. It is worth paying that little bit more and going to a dealership (around £2500) as many of them offer good 2-3 month warrantees with your purchase. If you can afford it you should try and get one of the later models (with the fixed roll problem) and these start from around £3,700 private sale for the standard A140 model with around 60,000 – 80,000 miles on the clock, or around £4,500 from dealerships. As with most cars the diesel models are more generally a bit more expensive than the petrol models, and hold their prices well with slow depreciation.

Related Tags

• buying a used mercedes with 80 000 on clock
• car fluctuating revs
• guide to mercedes a class
• mercedes