Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1998 - 2004) A170 CDI Elegance 5d Auto (01) (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like economy, with a touch of class.... That 3 pointed star does carry a certain amount of prestige, even if it is little it has a big heritage behind it......

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

They like it, especially the economy side of it and they are surprised hoe roomy it is inside for a little car......

Would you buy this car again and why?

Most definitely, only a later model.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Merc, if not an A class it will most certainly be a Merc, they are built well it seems and have a exuberant quality about them. Love em or hate em, the Germans know how to build quality cars, end of....

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

We thought that £3000 for a low mileage 03 plate Merc was a good price to pay, the overall cond was very good for it's age, just the usual age related marks that you would expect to find on a car of that age and after looking at the fuel consumption figures, things stacked up in it's favour generally.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Economical, deceptively spacious for a small car, reliable, build quality, fun to drive and just generally cheap to run.

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful and not at all pushy.... Cannot stand pushy salesmen, i just walk away and think to myself, you have just lost yourself a deal mate, but this dealer just sat back and let us decide what we wanted to do.

What's it like to drive?

Nippy, quite a responsive result from the 1.7 diesel engine, wouldn't break any land speed records, but adiquate in it's own right, the cruise control is a big plus with me as i use it whenever and wherever i can, there's also a nice high up driving position for such a small car. nice ride when the roads are smooth, i.e motorways, but the suspension is a little hard on the country roads which tends to bounce you around, other than that, overall not bad..

What's it like to park?

Easy, being so short, even the missus car park it without any hassle....

Have you had any problems with the car?

No, the only small problem we had was a slight noise we got from the alternator bearing, which came on about a month after buying it, quickly resolved, no prob's sinse, very pleased with the over all package, cannot believe just how economical it is....

What's most practical about your car?

The excellent economy 50 plus mpg, fair size boot for such a small car and up to press, very little wrong with it, also a good standard level of equipment, incl heated front seats.....

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated front seats, ideal for those cold winter mornings. Removable rear seats.... Cruise control.....