Faults:

1. The automatic transmission failed three times, once at 70mph in the fast lane of a dual carriageway - narrowly avoided a serious accident there; another time when it was being tested by a mechanic, and the front wheels locked, causing the car to skid. The gearbox, including torque converter, was replaced under warranty.

2. A gearbox mounting bolt failed after just 18 months (£150 repair bill, later refunded after I wrote to the MD of Daimler-Chrysler UK).

3. Steering column needed to be replaced at 18,000 miles.

4. Anti roll bar link rods failed at 24,000 miles.

5. Rear suspension packed up at 35,000 miles.

6. Electronic control unit failed at 37,000 miles, causing intermittent failures (e.g., car left stranded in the middle of the road whilst attempting to turn right) - and the car failed its MOT because of high exhaust emissions. Cost nearly £900 to fix.

General Comments:

We wanted to buy a classy, reliable and safe small car for my wife. The new A-Class seemed to be ideal, and we eagerly signed up to buy one of the first auto models in the UK - a brand-new, top-of-the-range (for then) model with leather seats, automatic transmission, etc.

We were impressed by the versatility of this little car - and the bodywork still looks like new, after 7 years' of ownership. The car has been great for transporting children and loads - including the occasional IKEA run with front passenger seat and rear seats removed, making a very capacious load-lugger.

Unfortunately, this all comes at a cost. This is the most expensive and unreliable car we've ever owned. After 37,000 miles, we've spent nearly £4,000 on servicing and repair bills - and the dealership we've loyally supported all this years have offered us a paltry trade-in of just £3,000.

Faults:

Thought we had bought a good car when we bought our first A class/ Mercedes. We had the car two months when we returned it to the garage we bought the car. The car would not select gears. thanks to the garage it was fixed free of charge. Then as the car reached approx 60,000 miles the engine just died. The car had to be left in to the main Mercedes Dealer in Belfast.

To my amazement it was the fuel sensor, which cost me a staggering £917.00 to repair.

When we got the car back from the garage it was discovered that the rear spring had broken, this was repaired at a local garage and not the dealer. now the car has reached 80,000 the airflow meter is causing problems and the car stops at junctions. stay away from a class cars unless you want high repair bills.

General Comments:

1. The car is a poor effort from Mercedes

2. Not bad to drive on motorways

3. Seats very squeaky.