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.

Faults:

In the two years I have owned it:

Dashboard replaced twice, but in dealer 5 times for fault identification

Rear tail gate rehung

Suspension adjusted

Brakes replaced twice

Wipers failed

Kick plate replaced

Door rehung

Not full specification when delivered.

General Comments:

The car is practical for London, but rattles like a 5 year old Skoda. The dealer service is not great, but that might be a factor of the frequency of visits.

Mercedes Head Office seem unwilling to accept repsonsiblity for the service and our satisfaction levels although the admit the technical problems are unusual.

Faults:

Seat height adjustment has fallen off both front seats. One has been replaced under warranty and arrangements are being made to replace the other.

Something squeaking in the car as it drives over manholes.

Automatic clutch 'grabs' when slowing down in first gear, and changing gears smoothly is suprisingly difficult as there's always a slight 'clunk'.

General Comments:

Front dashboard build is not very solid. Press on it and hear the subtle squeaks and groans eminating.

I *really* like this car, the looks, the badge, just everything about it. But after driving just 400km it's already beginning to annoy me in subtle, but important ways.

The design of the height adjustment levers appears to be poor, as a plastic part is used for leverage to turn a metal component. Wearing out is almost inevitable.

I expected a bit more from Mercedes-Benz.