Its nearly 9 years old. Any repairs will cost Mercedes prices to sort. They were never popular when new and not especially well made or reliable.

For that money you could get a much newer Focus which is a better car. Look outside the normal cars and you will get a Kia Ceed for not much more.

Just remember that an expensive car is cheap for normally one reason, they cannot sell it.

I don't know where to start with the A Class, but the fact that the engine needs to come out for a clutch change or starter motor ought to give you an idea of the potential cost of owning an aging higher mileage example.

For safety reasons alone I would recommend as a first car but only buy when aware of all the facts! Had a MK2 and now facelift version over last 7 years now.

PROS:

1. Standard safety features such as traction control, ESP, all round disc brakes make this small car stand out from the competition. Also sits higher up than most cars too so improved visibility ahead and safer too if you are broad-sided. In frontal collision the engine is pushed under the floor rather than in towards the cabin so helping to maintain structural integrity. Boot big enough to take a twin pram.

2. Lots of room inside. Clever design and use of space make this a small car on the outside with the room of a VW Golf inside. Easy to park too.

3. Quite smooth ride.

4. Design and build quality much improved from original MK1 design. MK1 was an MB badge on a car designed and manufacutured by somebody else. MK2 designed and built by MB with some buttons and design like my last E-Class.

CONS:

1. RUST! Check door, boot and bonnet weld seams which will rust from behind and separate from panel. Warranty job only if with full MB service. We had 4 doors and boot with complete re-spray!

2. This one is manual. Nobody buys a manual MB. Unless you really want a manual I would avoid as it affects value significantly.

OTHER:

1. Main dealer service and repair costs are higher than the likes of a 107 etc... so don't kid yourself otherwise. We use an MB service plan which works represents a good discount against on the day prices. Annual warranty from MB is £375 for everything including wear and tear. Only had to use this once for a broken NSF spring and service was excellent.

2. Try to buy from franchised dealer. Yes it costs more like for like but you have much better comeback and people who have knowledge and tools to work on these cars.

Good luck!

Edited by the_bandit on 23/10/2014 at 04:12