2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A140 Avantgarde LWB 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great practical car, and it's a Mercedes

Faults:

Battery went after 5 years, amazing it lasted that long, it only does short journeys.

Nothing else at all.

General Comments:

This car is what it is, it's no sports car but it's not designed to be. However it fulfill its design purpose perfectly.

It is amazingly roomy in LWB form, and actually it's very nice to drive. The steering is pretty vague and a bit heavy, but it's no trouble at all to use. The autobox is smooth as silk, it's a 5spd with tiptronic, but I used it once and then just left it in D!

It gets through brakes and tires quite quickly, but parts aren't expensive really.

I get the car serviced and MOTd annually at a german car specialist, and it's been perfect, however between MOTs 2008-2009 it only did 1500 miles so I would expect nothing less.

The ride of the LWB model is far superior to the standard length car, and when fitted with original spec Goodyear GT2 tires, it cushions very well, better than rubbish ECO tires we tried on the front for a while.

The Avantgarde is a good spec level and looks smart, being sportier than a Classic or Elegance. Spec includes half leather, A/C, 4x electric windows, cruise control etc etc very well appointed.

It cruises very well, and 5th gear is very tall, so economy on a run is excellent, at least 40mpg.

It overtakes very well and stops quickly and smoothly.

Don't go to Mercedes dealers for service though, the service is poor and the prices immense.

Nothing has gone wrong ever, and it will last many many years at this rate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2009

15th Mar 2009, 21:54

I am very happy to find another A class owner pleased with his car. On this web site there are many unhappy faces at the side of A class reviews, and I think this might have its origin in a very bad dealership service. I have had 4 A class in total, 2 rented and 2 bought from new, they already have 10 years and one of them 192,000kms and I have never experienced a problem.

I am amazed by the quality and durability of these cars. You said 5 years for your battery (in the one with 192,000kms, I haven't changed the original battery -10 years!). So, good to see other good experiences.

Best wishes.

In reply to 15th Mar 2009, 21:54

12th Feb 2013, 17:23

It is still going strong, but still does low miles. It is yet to fail an MOT. We put 4 new Kumho tyres on due to cracks, and the ride and grip was improved even further. It has had another battery due to short trips. The main fault is rust on the rear arches. Terrible considering the age and mileage, but this is a common Merc fault, no excuse though. Still reliable and pleasant to drive though, and immensely practical!

2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 140 Avantgarde 1.4 petrol from Italy

Summary:

Expensive, dull, boring, definitely not a genuine Merc

Faults:

Rattles from the power steering, fixed by dealer.

After a "hard driving night" I was unable to use 2nd 4th and reverse gears. Problem solved by dealer.

Engine makes strange noises, camshaft was the reason, fixed by dealer, cost a lot of money.

Rattles from the interior just after 5000 km on the road.

Drivers seat broke and started moving when accelerating - braking.

Air condition failed, replaced mechanism, cost a lot.

General Comments:

It is a nice car and super roomy. However it is very dull to drive, and many times I prefer to take a taxi rather that driving it.

Steering system is nothing special, just turning the wheels left and right.

Very very expensive to buy, but dealer was very helpful and fixed some problems even when guarantee expired (bravo!!)

It sounds very dull too and I don't urge to bring up the revs.

It is slower than my previous Fiat, but its relatively high torque helps when overtaking.

Handling is a problem, since ESP in many cases works overtimes. If it wasn't for ESP, this car may be a wreck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2005

4th Apr 2005, 03:48

"Hard drivung night" So you were racing it. You deserve any problems that come from your racing of the car. Too bad the dealership couldn't find out about this.

28th Nov 2006, 02:14

Um, "hard driving" and racing are two different things though. A car should be able to with stand hard driving, and therefor wouldn't matter if the dealer knew or not.