Battery went after 5 years, amazing it lasted that long, it only does short journeys.
Nothing else at all.
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.
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.
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