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

Summary:

Practicality over driving excitement, almost perfect

Faults:

Clunking steering column on RHD car; this is easily fixed by packing the splines on the lower column.

2 front springs broke due to road surfaces, and 1 top mount is now slightly creaky.

Battery is a bit small, so doesn't like lots of short journeys.

General Comments:

Huge space inside and economical enough.

Has only covered low miles, but serviced annually so the engine and drive train are perfect. Everything functions perfectly including the air conditioning which has never been serviced. Routine maintenance is a doddle; it's only major items that require more time to repair.

The packaging of this car is unique and it's the only small car that can hold 3 baby seats in the back and a double pushchair in the boot. It's wonderful, just look after it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2018

2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A210 Evolution LWB 2.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, very practical, rare family car. Recommend a full service history, and check the electrics

Faults:

Coil spring.

Alloy wheel repair.

New battery.

General Comments:

I first saw this limited edition A210 Evolution whilst I was on holiday in Germany and really liked it. It has AMG side skirts, 17 inch AMG alloys, unique black and white leather/alcantara heated seating, upgraded drilled front brakes and Bilstein sports suspension and cruise control that cost £20,000 when new. This limited edition production run on this A210 model ended in 2003, and is a rare sight to see on the roads in the UK, and looks very classy and sporty for its age. I was lucky enough to find the long wheel base version, which has more leg room in the back than much bigger, more expensive saloon cars for its small exterior size.

AMG reworked the 1.9 engine to 2.1 and 140bhp and fitted a sports back box exhaust, but it can easily achieve 30 to 40MPG+ on a run. They could not call it an AMG as it was not powerful enough, so it wears the Evolution badge.

Mine has an automatic gearbox (which adapts gear changes to driving style), and had its gearbox ECU control module and some other sensors replaced before I bought it. I would recommend if you buy any early A Class automatic, to get the gearbox control module and electrics checked, it is a weak point - and is a well documented problem. They do a manual version, which is a little quicker if you prefer a manual gear change.

Overall in my experience it's been reliable, safe and practical family car, but the interior cabin and switch gear are not as well built as an Audi of the same age. I would recommended to buy one with a full service history and well looked after. Its engine positioning is very restrictive for maintenance, remember to replace a starter motor or alternator, you have to remove the engine first! Parts are expensive too, but the engine is chain driven so no timing belt to replace and no expensive supercharger repairs since it doesn't have one. So do your homework first, take your time and find a good, well maintained one like mine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2016

2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Elegance 1.6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Stands out from the crowd

Faults:

Warning light at 25000. Needed computer check to clear it.

Squeak in suspension spring.

General Comments:

This is the Elegance LWB model, and has been a reliable daily commuter.

Great room for passengers and cargo.

Quality feel to the build.

I have enjoyed my time with the A class, and remain very happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2010

17th Jun 2010, 23:33

I have 2 one - manual gearbox with normal clutch - has 215,000kms and the other one -AKS- has 85,000kms. Both have been wonderful, without any trouble, and they are running as first day. Just normal service.

For the AKS I have a tip for you: just don't stay at red lights with first gear engaged, it is easy to forget; and don't break the car in hills with the accelerator, and you will be fine. The normal clutch is more durable, of course - maybe because of how people drive them. I had to change the normal one at approx. 165,000kms, the AKS one I haven't changed it, although it has a lower mileage.

The automatic A classes from that generation do have some troubles, but manuals are fantastic, very rugged.

Cheers.

26th Feb 2011, 02:41

Thanks for that support as a fellow A-Class owner. A mechanic told me not to use gears to decelerate too. Just on coming up for 64K soon and may be looking at replacing the original tyres - Michelin Energy - soon. These are no longer sold, so will need to look around (any suggestions?). Still a very happy owner - car running smoothly and not a hiccup as a great little 'around town car'.

2nd Apr 2012, 07:13

Still going strong at 71k. Reliable commuter that never misses a beat. Just changed tyres - first change - stuck with Michelin - Pilot Sports 3. Great match with nil road noise and superb handling (and safety if you follow all the performance tests). What's not to like!?

12th Mar 2014, 02:59

Still thumbs up from me! Now just over 83K and the only work required was replacing the front passenger seat belt sensor. Not inexpensive!

Otherwise it continues to be a superb reliable daily commuter.

Lots of new cars to look at, but I just can't think of a reason to switch on any reasonable grounds!