1999 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Elegance review from UK and Ireland
"A clever design, over priced and poorly executed. Never again"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear Trailing arms replaced at 42,000 miles.
Alarm intermittently malfunctions (goes off) whilst driving the car.
Electric window switches work inconsistently.
Gear lever has jammed in second gear.
Very poor build quality, rattles and squeaks.
General comments?
Dreadful low-speed ride quality.
Woolly, imprecise steering.
The car has never delivered the sort of economy on longer runs that I've come to expect from a diesel; I typically get 45-48mpg.
Dealer servicing has long lead in times, is (in my opinion) very expensive (main deal major service: £400, independent specialist dealer: £163).
Horrendous depreciation (50% in 18 months)
If this car were built by Hyundai, it would probably be better built, more reliable and cost £8000.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 170 CDi Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 28000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 64500 miles |
| Previous car | Fiat Cinquecento |
| Date of Entry | 21st January, 2003 |