Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Nippy town car, very economical.

Faults:

The Engine Control Unit malfunctioned which in turn caused damage to the gearbox.

The above fault required a new Engine Control Unit and an exchange gearbox at a cost of £2,500.

The mechanic stated that this was a design fault with the A class which Mercedes knew about, but had kept quiet from the public. He attempted to get a good will payment from Mercedes in view of the low mileage, but Mercedes declined. In the first 6 months of this year he had six in with the same fault?

General Comments:

I bought this car for my wife with the intention of keeping it until it expired of old age. It lasted all of 15 months before this fault occurred.

I was relying on the reputation of Mercedes for good workmanship and reliability and I feel I have been sadly let down by both the car and the manufacturer. I had just paid off the vehicle when I had to fork out this further exorbitant price before I could sell it.

Faults:

Anti-roll bar arms worn out at 32000 miles.

Loud knocking noise to rear suspention.

Fuel dial reads incorrect.

Rear cover to high level light broke off.

Both front seat levers for lifting and dropping seats broke off.

General Comments:

The car is very badly built with lots of squeaks rattles and knocks rear seats rattle like mad when there is no one in them. I would expect more from Mercedes and would think very hard on purchasing a new a-class.one good point is that the ride on motor ways is very comfortable and enjoyable.

Faults:

Rear radius arms failed - replaced free and outside warranty!

Front roll bars needed replacing at 45000.

Front disks needed replacing at 45000.

Air-con temp control failed at 40000.

Boot door trim never fitted properly.

General Comments:

I have owned three Mercedes before this A-Class; a 190 and two 300TE's. All of them fantastic. However the A-Class may be a classic in the making with its design, but it certainly does not have Mercedes build quality of the others. I reckon past 1993-6 Mercedes are now the same quality as 'the rest'.

The ride is way too harsh. OK on motorways, but country lanes and the general poor condition of UK A-roads leaves one's fillings loose.

The seats are too hard, and given the hard ride, a numb bum is quick to gain in around 40 miles.

The car gets through tires very quickly. Expect 5-10000 less miles compared other same class of car.

Very good in snow and ice.

Superb flexibility. Is a van with rear seats out.

Looks amazing, but avoid our black paint - scratches too easily.

Faults:

Gearbox mounting, catalyst, driver's seat, rear suspension bushes, wiper motor (needs another), steering rack, anti roll bar links, high beam and light switch.

General Comments:

You think you're buying a quality vehicle, how wrong and disappointed I've been; the most fault riddled car I've ever owned, if it wasn't for the warranty, this car would have cost thousands to keep on the road.

If it hadn't have been a lemon car, it would have been pleasurable, as the car looks cool and is nice to drive.

The crazy thing here is I still like the car, the after sales with the dealer has been good, but if you're thinking of buying an A-Class, buy one with plenty of Merc warranty, or you'll leave your cheque book permanently open.