Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1998-)

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  • Economy

    Value

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Ordered 2 weeks before they lopped 2 grand off the price.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Fuel economy good - 40ish. Eats front tyres.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    If you're in the mood, it's great. If you want to relax, it's terrible.

    Performance

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Engine better at 40,000 miles than it was when new.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    4 anti-roll bar drop links, 2 rear axle bushes, 1 steering column.

    Image

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Once trendy and sky high. Not so sure now.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Truly awful and it genuinely feels worse with miles on it, not better.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    It's still here and it's never been broken into, touch wood.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Dealer never looks pleased to see you and never keeps to agreed schedules.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Nice and loose now, but has pinked since it was new.

    Other

    Brilliant for carrying people and stuff, but too firm now for me.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No