Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reviews from Australia and New Zealand

2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Elegance 1.6

Model year	2002
Year of manufacture	2002
First year of ownership	2007
Most recent year of ownership	2010
Engine and transmission	1.6 Semi-Automatic
Performance marks	7 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	10 / 10
Dealer Service marks	9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	8.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	23000 kilometres
Most recent distance	58000 kilometres
Previous car	Mazda 121

Summary:

Stands out from the crowd

Faults:

Warning light at 25000. Needed computer check to clear it.

Squeak in suspension spring.

General Comments:

This is the Elegance LWB model, and has been a reliable daily commuter.

Great room for passengers and cargo.

Quality feel to the build.

I have enjoyed my time with the A class, and remain very happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2010

17th Jun 2010, 23:33

I have 2 one - manual gearbox with normal clutch - has 215,000kms and the other one -AKS- has 85,000kms. Both have been wonderful, without any trouble, and they are running as first day. Just normal service.

For the AKS I have a tip for you: just don't stay at red lights with first gear engaged, it is easy to forget; and don't break the car in hills with the accelerator, and you will be fine. The normal clutch is more durable, of course - maybe because of how people drive them. I had to change the normal one at approx. 165,000kms, the AKS one I haven't changed it, although it has a lower mileage.

The automatic A classes from that generation do have some troubles, but manuals are fantastic, very rugged.

Cheers.

26th Feb 2011, 02:41

Thanks for that support as a fellow A-Class owner. A mechanic told me not to use gears to decelerate too. Just on coming up for 64K soon and may be looking at replacing the original tyres - Michelin Energy - soon. These are no longer sold, so will need to look around (any suggestions?). Still a very happy owner - car running smoothly and not a hiccup as a great little 'around town car'.

In reply to 26th Feb 2011, 02:41

2nd Apr 2012, 07:13

Still going strong at 71k. Reliable commuter that never misses a beat. Just changed tyres - first change - stuck with Michelin - Pilot Sports 3. Great match with nil road noise and superb handling (and safety if you follow all the performance tests). What's not to like!?

2000 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 petrol

Model year	2000
Year of manufacture	2000
First year of ownership	2001
Most recent year of ownership	2007
Engine and transmission	petrol Semi-Automatic
Performance marks	5 / 10
Reliability marks	5 / 10
Comfort marks	5 / 10
Dealer Service marks	6 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	0 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	4.2 / 10
Distance when acquired	5000 kilometres
Most recent distance	180000 kilometres
Previous car	Subaru XT

Summary:

It is a car; that's it

Faults:

I have had the steering column replaced 5 times.

Thing's breaking in the car; plastics etc..

Can't list the problems; there are so many.

Very disgusted; thought I was buying a good car instead a lemon.

Cost of repairs is huge!

Very disappointed!

General Comments:

This car is far less superior than any other small car, because of all the faults and design problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2007

12th Dec 2007, 16:38

My mechanic told me not to buy one of these cars, as they are expensive to fix, and are always going wrong.

26th Dec 2007, 11:51

My experience is completely the opposite. This are reliable and well constructed cars, with very durable components.

27th Dec 2007, 08:20

I agree with the review. My year 2000 A160 was a menace needing frequent warranty repairs. Plastic interior parts would break off with virtually no effort (like the front seat height adjustment handles). Finally when the timing chain snapped at 67,000km I had had enough and sold it.

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2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A160 Classic 1.6 litre petrol

Model year	2003
Year of manufacture	2003
First year of ownership	2003
Most recent year of ownership	2006
Engine and transmission	1.6 litre petrol Automatic
Performance marks	6 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	0 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	6.2 / 10
Distance when acquired	0 kilometres
Most recent distance	28000 kilometres
Previous car	Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Summary:

Sensible transport

Faults:

Nothing.

Dealer service appalling at best. Failed to check battery or flat spare tyre at first service - yet itemised and charged for this work.

General Comments:

Good get around town car.

Slow, expensive to purchase.

Safe and secure.

Ideal vehicle for seventies grandmother.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2006

2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A190 1.9 petrol

Model year	2001
Year of manufacture	2001
First year of ownership	2002
Most recent year of ownership	2006
Engine and transmission	1.9 petrol Manual
Performance marks	9 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	7 / 10
Dealer Service marks	1 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	6.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	10000 kilometres
Most recent distance	45000 kilometres
Previous car	Volvo 850

Summary:

Fun economical modern useful car

Faults:

Rear hatch struts replaced.

Blinker lever defaulting to high beam.

Rear hatch lining falling off several times.

Rear hatch would not open.

Failed battery.

Vehicle delivered without wheel nuts for the spare (different length to mag wheels nuts),

General Comments:

Good performance and economy.

Performs the functions that a small vehicle is designed for.

Versatile interior.

Quality of interior plastics is average for the price and reputation of Mercedes Benz.

Creaks and squeaks from door and window surrounds, although no rattles.

Service has been appalling by local dealer. MB Australia have been of great assistance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2006