Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1998 - 2004) A160L Elegance 5d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Very little - blends into the background nicely.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

I think they pity me for driving such a fault ridden car, but they are impressed by the space inside and the Mercedes badge.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I wouldn't. If it worked properly it would be an ideal car for me, but I just can't trust it. Fuel economy around town is appalling, I drive aprox. 30 miles per day and this uses 7.5 litres.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm looking into a current shape Honda Civic diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,995

When did you buy the car?

May 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

I don't believe so, I should have shopped around more but I was suduced by the full leather interior and AMG alloys.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Was amazed my interior space. Was looking to buy an entry level Mercedes.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly, but to be honest seemed a little dodgy.

What's it like to drive?

Firm suspension gives one of the most back-breaking rides imaginable. However, it always feels very stable and when it's working properly it pulls away brilliantly. Steering feels precise.

What's it like to park?

A little tricky as you're so high up, but nothing you can't handle with practice.

Have you had any problems with the car?

What hasn't gone wrong? - Indicator stalk fell off after only 3 days, replaced for £70 - Mass Air Flow sensor failure after a few months - very expensive (£650) and slow to repair plus £100 for a diagnostic. This has now happened again less than 5 months after the original repair. - Suspension has given up after one winter, though this may be the fault of the atrocious condition of the roads. - Oil light stuck on/ dash alarm sounds occasionally - even though the car has enough oil and this is regularly checked. - Car alarm has a mind of it's own - sometimes goes off as I'm driving, as I start the engine, or sometimes just for no reason when the car is parked.

What's most practical about your car?

Massive interior space due to purchasing the LWB version. Every passenger comments on the rear leg room.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Apart from the LWB option, the climate control is always pretty accurate and very useful in the summer.