Mercedes A45 AMG

MuddyDog

In the market for a new motor and am very tempted by this. Looks great with the rear spoiler which is a little extra I know and from the reviews I've read it sounds fun to drive.

Are there any currently available in Ireland or would it need to be ordered in and if so what would that set me back? I've never purchased a brand new car before! I haven't spotted any of these second hand in Ireland either otherwise that would be an option.

MetzgerMeister

Just be aware that it's not an actual AMG car AFAIK. It's an A45 with an AMG bodykit on it. The equivalent would be a BMW with an M Sport bodykit on it.

I'm open to correction on that but that's the way I think it is.

With that said, congrats on buying a new car. The A45 is a really cool little hatchback and I would certainly have one over the likes on the 1 series, Alfa Guilietta, VW Golf GTi etc. if I was in the market!

If you're buying it brand new, you can just go to your nearest Mercedes dealership and talk to them. There will be a base price for the car so after that it depends on what options you want as to what your on-the-road price is.

Golfgorfield

Id try a few other forums also, there's no better place to enquire about a new Mercedes. Don't ring a Mercedes garage though, cowboys Ted. :rolleyes:

MuddyDog

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Just be aware that it's not an actual AMG car AFAIK. It's an A45 with an AMG bodykit on it. The equivalent would be a BMW with an M Sport bodykit on it.

I'm open to correction on that but that's the way I think it is.

With that said, congrats on buying a new car. The A45 is a really cool little hatchback and I would certainly have one over the likes on the 1 series, Alfa Guilietta, VW Golf GTi etc. if I was in the market!

Really? Specs online on Mercedes' site show it as having 381 BHP and 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. That's hardly a normal A class merc with a bodykit is it? I might be wrong as I'm not overly knowledgeable about cars.

MetzgerMeister

MuddyDog wrote: »

Really? Specs online on Mercedes' site show it as having 381 BHP and 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. That's hardly a normal A class merc with a bodykit is it? I might be wrong as I'm not overly knowledgeable about cars.

My apologies, that would be an actual AMG car. Since you didn't give much to go on, I assumed it wasn't the real thing

Thing is, the normal one is called the same.

MuddyDog

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

My apologies, that would be an actual AMG car. Since you didn't give much to go on, I assumed it wasn't the real thing

Thing is, the normal one is called the same.

Ah I see. My fault. The top spec petrol engine online is the A45 AMG 4Matic. On the UK site the base rate is 39k sterling. How much would that be to bring over here and on the road?

MetzgerMeister

That's €53,000 before VRT. The A45 isn't available on the revenue VRT calculator drop-down list.

At a guess I'd say you'd be looking at mid/late 60's after VRT and then there's VAT to be included too.

mickdw

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

That's €53,000 before VRT. The A45 isn't available on the revenue VRT calculator drop-down list.

At a guess I'd say you'd be looking at mid/late 60's after VRT and then there's VAT to be included too.

It seems to be 27 percent vrt based on it emissions.
I say the car would be the over 70k here.

dar83

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

My apologies, that would be an actual AMG car. Since you didn't give much to go on, I assumed it wasn't the real thing

Thing is, the normal one is called the same.

Not the A45 AMG, which is what he put in his original post... ahem. I looked into them briefly a while back, but they're a good chunk more expensive than some of the competitors that have already been mentioned, although some of those mentioned aren't in the same bracket, the only real competitors to it here are the RS3, Focus RS, Golf R etc...

It seems to be hard enough to find prices online but when I did my research it was coming in at around 60k+ for one, which is a bit rich if you ask me even though it would be my super-hot hatch of choice also.

I personally settled for something a little less divorce enticing/small mortgage applying.

MuddyDog

Was expecting to pay top 60k euro. Can't Merc deliver the car over here instead of me buying it from the UK or would that just work out at the same price?

mickdw

There is a cla 45 AMG 360 BHP for sale on Carzone.ie for 78k.
Nice car but abit overdone around the rear end to the point of appearing boyracer..... ish
I'd certainly go for cla over A class hatch.

MuddyDog

My other option is the Focus RS or perhaps an Audi S3. Both around 50kish new according to the Irish Ford and Audi websites. BOth look great too imo and would not be a mllion miles away in terms of performance from the A45. Would it be 50k on the road for the base model or do I always need to add on a bit when looking at these prices online?

dar83

The new RS is going to set you back more than 50k on the road, probably closer to 60k to be honest, especially as they've somewhat done away with the 2 Lux packs the way they were and made it a lot more optional extra specific.

Edit: That is unless you don't want any extras at all, and I mean ANY! i.e. rear parking sensors (not camera! that's another extra in itself) are about €250 extra as far as I remember and when your buying a 50k+ car to be told you have to pay extra for them these days is a bit rich.

MuddyDog

dar83 wrote: »

The new RS is going to set you back more than 50k on the road, probably closer to 60k to be honest, especially as they've somewhat done away with the 2 Lux packs the way they were and made it a lot more optional extra specific.

Edit: That is unless you don't want any extras at all, and I mean ANY! i.e. rear parking sensors (not camera! that's another extra in itself) are about €250 extra as far as I remember and when your buying a 50k+ car to be told you have to pay extra for them these days is a bit rich.

So what do I need to add to the base price listed on Ford's website generally for me to calculate the on the road price?

moleyv

There is a facelift coming/just released.

I remember seeing this detailed review about the a45 and its baby brother (if you don't mind the guys german accent)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-danQtKS7kU

Spec and price is likely for germany.

R.O.R

A45 AMG is missing from the current A-Class pricing. It used to be there - June price guide has it at €58,520, but the model line up was cut fairly recently.

CLA 45 AMG is still on the price file, at a mere €65,860

AMKC

How about the new Ford Mustang. I would say it would be in 2016 sometime before you take delivery of it do now. VW Golf R is another to look at and you might get a good deal on one of them at the moment also the Renault Megane RS maybe.

ofcork

There was a facelift released recently also upped the bhp from the 355bhp original which is awesome from a 2 litre.

carsfan

Have you considered a VW Golf R?

bazz26

You'd spec a Golf R really well for that sort of money. A very well accomplished car by all accounts and a few regulars on here have them.

Hachiko

Or get a this and keep the left over cash and blow them both away with ease

Im sure its a bit more than 100euro

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/lexus/is-f/used-2008-lexus-is-f-galway-fpa-201540237385840

there is a A45 here

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510067549163?onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&model=a_class&search-target=usedcars&sort=default&fuel-type=petrol&postcode=so152sn&make=mercedes-benz&keywords=a45&radius=1500&engine-size-cars=2l_to_2-5l&maximum-age=up_to_2_years_old&page=1&logcode=p

bbari

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

That's €53,000 before VRT. The A45 isn't available on the revenue VRT calculator drop-down list.

At a guess I'd say you'd be looking at mid/late 60's after VRT and then there's VAT to be included too.

The UK VAT which in included in €53K will be refunded though.

MetzgerMeister

bbari wrote: »

The UK VAT which in included in €53K will be refunded though.

I'm so confused it's not funny :pac:

I was trying to come up with a price as to what it would cost the OP if he was to go to an Irish Mercedes dealer and buy an A45 AMG with options.

bbari

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

I'm so confused it's not funny :pac:

I was trying to come up with a price as to what it would cost the OP if he was to go to an Irish Mercedes dealer and buy an A45 AMG with options.

Sorry Metz -
You are correct in pointing out the VAT element. Yes you will have to pay VAT in Ireland which would be 23% of the net figure on the invoice but you will get refund of the VAT which you have paid in the UK. There is a small additional cost involved in relation to the VAT as you pay 23% here and the refund from the UK would be 20%. Its pretty straight forward process to get refund from the HMRC UK but it does take 1-2 months.
The only reason I know this - I bought the F10 from the UK last year!

mickdw

bbari wrote: »

Sorry Metz -
You are correct in pointing out the VAT element. Yes you will have to pay VAT in Ireland which would be 23% of the net figure on the invoice but you will get refund of the VAT which you have paid in the UK. There is a small additional cost involved in relation to the VAT as you pay 23% here and the refund from the UK would be 20%. Its pretty straight forward process to get refund from the HMRC UK but it does take 1-2 months.
The only reason I know this - I bought the F10 from the UK last year!

If buying what is regarded as a new means of transport in uk for export to ireland, it is possible to buy it from a dealer vat free. The dealers tend to deny this but the facility is certainly there and would make it much easier for many to actually buy a car in that manner as paying vat twice and awaiting a rebate can be difficult for many.

bbari

mickdw wrote: »

If buying what is regarded as a new means of transport in uk for export to ireland, it is possible to buy it from a dealer vat free. The dealers tend to deny this but the facility is certainly there and would make it much easier for many to actually buy a car in that manner as paying vat twice and awaiting a rebate can be difficult for many.

It makes sense what you are saying but can you do this as a private purchase as you don't have a vat number (as opposed to be a Company buying it with a VAT no.) ?

I couldn't do that myself because BMW UK won't sell to a person in Ireland thats why I'd to use a UK address at the time hence I couldn't class it as export.

mickdw

bbari wrote: »

It makes sense what you are saying but can you do this as a private purchase as you don't have a vat number (as opposed to be a Company buying it with a VAT no.) ?

I couldn't do that myself because BMW UK won't sell to a person in Ireland thats why I'd to use a UK address at the time hence I couldn't class it as export.

What I mention is specifically for private, non vat registered person. There is a zero vat rating for business purchasers but that is a different thing.
Yes given that you had to use a uk address to actually obtain a car from bmw prevented you from doing this but the dealers don't appear to like doing it either even though it's the correct procedure according to uk revenue.
UK vat form 411 is the one and vat sheet 728 has further info.

Donnelly117

ofcork wrote: »

355bhp original which is awesome from a 2 litre.

I think Mitsubishi would disagree!

carsfan

Bbari
Did you save much buying a new BMW in the UK over buying it here?

daRobot

bbari wrote: »

The UK VAT which in included in €53K will be refunded though.

You don't need to pay the VAT in the UK. Use a VAT 411 form which is specifically designed for that purpose when exporting.

Try and find a dealer that deals with sales to the armed forces abroad (they can buy cars VAT free) and they'll be very familiar with the process.

daRobot

>OP

If you're thinking of dropping 65k + on a hot hatch, just be aware that you're getting very close to F10 M5 territory - Vrt on a 2012 model will be 25k from the new year, and you can get them for about 35k sterling. Same for the twin turbo Audi S8.

Some food for thought.

Personally, if it were a hot hatch I was after be getting a Golf R as it's going to do everything very well, and you won't loose your shirt on it when you come to sell it.

Donnelly117

daRobot wrote: »

>OP

If you're thinking of dropping 65k + on a hot hatch, just be aware that you're getting very close to F10 M5 territory - Vrt on a 2012 model will be 25k from the new year, and you can get them for about 35k sterling. Same for the twin turbo Audi S8.

If I had the choice, and had to pay the running costs id take the Merc all day, as I have no interest in an M5, its not really a relevant comparison, especially if the OP is looking for a hatch they probably aren't going to buy a monstrosity like a 5 liter tt S8. Your talking triple the tax, half the fuel economy and massive insurance premiums. Plus the warranty a few years on the new car as opposed to potentially massive bills in the even something goes wrong with the M5/S8

I see where you are coming from through, its insane money for a hatchback, AMG tuned or not! I would agree that a Golf R would have 90% of the usable power of the Merc and is about 25k cheaper. Even something like the new Civic Type R, which may not be to everyone's taste could be an option which is on the road for about 50k and has huge performance!

MuddyDog

Donnelly117 wrote: »

If I had the choice, and had to pay the running costs id take the Merc all day, as I have no interest in an M5, its not really a relevant comparison, especially if the OP is looking for a hatch they probably aren't going to buy a monstrosity like a 5 liter tt S8. Your talking triple the tax, half the fuel economy and massive insurance premiums. Plus the warranty a few years on the new car as opposed to potentially massive bills in the even something goes wrong with the M5/S8

I see where you are coming from through, its insane money for a hatchback, AMG tuned or not! I would agree that a Golf R would have 90% of the usable power of the Merc and is about 25k cheaper. Even something like the new Civic Type R, which may not be to everyone's taste could be an option which is on the road for about 50k and has huge performance!

The Golf R is really good for the price 45kish but for me it just doesn't stand out enough. It just looks like a normal Golf and I want something with a little bit of character/uniqueness. I never considered the Civic Type R but it's quite a bit more expensive than the Golf R once you stick on all the Exterior Packs that make it look like the beast it is on the website.

I may just save a little longer for the extra bit that I need for the AMG A45 as from what people have said it'll be 65-70k on the road here. BMW's don't do it for me btw for the poster who suggested it!

Donnelly117

MuddyDog wrote: »

The Golf R is really good for the price 45kish but for me it just doesn't stand out enough. It just looks like a normal Golf and I want something with a little bit of character/uniqueness. I never considered the Civic Type R but it's quite a bit more expensive than the Golf R once you stick on all the Exterior Packs that make it look like the beast it is on the website.

I may just save a little longer for the extra bit that I need for the AMG A45 as from what people have said it'll be 65-70k on the road here. BMW's don't do it for me btw for the poster who suggested it!

If the Merc is the car you really want Id agree that you should hold out and save a bit, it is an absolute monster of a car, and seriously rare on these shores!! You might end up resenting the Golf if you bought it! Id agree that its a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing, which some people are into i suppose. Id like a fast car to look and sound fast though I don't think the A45 would run to 70k, i think you'd be closer to 60 from what I saw on price lists for the pre-facelift model.

I guess in the A45 category you options are the
Focus RS - Not cheap and not available. Would you go back to a Mk2 version?
RS3 - bit boring to look at, like the Golf, and similar money to the A45.
135i/235i You don't like BMWs and its ugly (IMO)
Civic Type R - Bit down on power, there's a few brand new unregistered ones advertised for 50k but not sure on spec. Id have one without the exterior carbon pack, looks pretty mean in standard form i reckon!!

Have you and interest in the slightly less powerful options like the the Megane 275 Trophy and Astra OPC? Or something like an STi Impreza? They wouldn't really be in the same class as the aforementioned lot I suppose but would come in at half the price nearly, and with performance I wouldn't overlook!

bbari

I did a bit at the time but i don't think you will save much now because the exchange rate is really bad these days. .82 at the time v .73 these days.

carsfan wrote:

Bbari Did you save much buying a new BMW in the UK over buying it here?

MuddyDog

Donnelly117 wrote: »

If the Merc is the car you really want Id agree that you should hold out and save a bit, it is an absolute monster of a car, and seriously rare on these shores!! You might end up resenting the Golf if you bought it! Id agree that its a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing, which some people are into i suppose. Id like a fast car to look and sound fast though I don't think the A45 would run to 70k, i think you'd be closer to 60 from what I saw on price lists for the pre-facelift model.

I guess in the A45 category you options are the
Focus RS - Not cheap and not available. Would you go back to a Mk2 version?
RS3 - bit boring to look at, like the Golf, and similar money to the A45.
135i/235i You don't like BMWs and its ugly (IMO)
Civic Type R - Bit down on power, there's a few brand new unregistered ones advertised for 50k but not sure on spec. Id have one without the exterior carbon pack, looks pretty mean in standard form i reckon!!

Have you and interest in the slightly less powerful options like the the Megane 275 Trophy and Astra OPC? Or something like an STi Impreza? They wouldn't really be in the same class as the aforementioned lot I suppose but would come in at half the price nearly, and with performance I wouldn't overlook!

I'd rather an S3 over the RS3 to be honest! Plus the RS3 starts at 65k so by the time it's on the road it'd be crazy. I'd consider the Mk2 version Focus RS. How much are these going for?

dar83

MuddyDog wrote: »

I'd rather an S3 over the RS3 to be honest! Plus the RS3 starts at 65k so by the time it's on the road it'd be crazy. I'd consider the Mk2 version Focus RS. How much are these going for?

About 30k upwards for a decent example.

Donnelly117

MuddyDog wrote: »

I'd rather an S3 over the RS3 to be honest! Plus the RS3 starts at 65k so by the time it's on the road it'd be crazy. I'd consider the Mk2 version Focus RS. How much are these going for?

I'm keeping an eye on these myself, they've held their value very well. There's 2 2009 ones on carzone, one for 26k and one is 33k so as Dar mentioned, you'd be looking at a 30k average.
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/ford/focus/used-2009-ford-focus-2-5-rs-300-3-dublin-fpa-201534236062076
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/ford/focus/used-2009-ford-focus-2-5-rs-300-3-galway-fpa-201528235039092 This one seems cheap for some reason, maybe he needs it gone!

They fit into the 1200 a year tax band which isn't too bad. Loads of options in the UK if you're willing to travel as they sold very well there! I have never used these guys so I don't know much about them but I keep an eye on their stock from time to time. They buy cars at auction and import them. They have a nice lux pack 3 (highest spec) listed at the moment! they're estimating 27k ex VRT (which is 5300 according to the calculator) Obviously it wold work out cheaper to pick out a car and go buy it yourself but this method would be handy for someone who doesn't want to go down that option.

http://ukcarimports.ie/records?id=275263

The new Astra OPC is a beautiful car too, and wouldn't be far off the pace of the RS I would imagine at 280 bhp! Its a nicer looking motor I reckon!

Wossack

the 135i coupes are crackers imo - be definitely considering one of them

Henry Ford III

New Focus RS is coming soon. 2.3T and 320bhp. 4wd too. Just saying.

collieno

The new model A45 AMG comes in at €63,700 on the road here

Donnelly117

Henry Ford III wrote: »

New Focus RS is coming soon. 2.3T and 320bhp. 4wd too. Just saying.

I read 345?? But I don't know if I'd say it's coming soon thought is it? I'd imagine it'll be a good few months before you get one on the road?

MuddyDog

How'd you find that info collineo that it's 63k on the road?

collieno

MuddyDog wrote: »

How'd you find that info collineo that it's 63k on the road?

I sell Mercedes-Benz so if you would like any more info just let me know

MuddyDog

collieno wrote: »

I sell Mercedes-Benz so if you would like any more info just let me know

If you want to PM me the full details of the base price of the car and cost of a couple of options with an On the Road price it'd be greatly appreciated!

chriity139

If I were you I would go for the A45 amg. Nothing really compares to it looks wise or performance wise in the hot hatch world except for the Audi RS3 or BMW 1M.

Have you gone for a test drive yet in one to see do you actually like it. Mightened be the car for you when you drive one but they look awesome and have the sound to match. I have only ever seen 2 in person. They have incredible road presence.

carsfan

The A45 will be an awesome hot hatch but be prepared to hold on to it for a good while as depreciation would be steep.
These cars have a very small audience on Ireland and dealers won't pay a lot for them.
As an example there is a one year old BMW 135i for sale at 41k that would be similar money new to the merc. The owner probably got a few grand less as a trade in.
That is eye watering depreciation!

fletch

carsfan wrote: »

As an example there is a one year old BMW 135i for sale at 41k that would be similar money new to the merc. The owner probably got a few grand less as a trade in.
That is eye watering depreciation!

You will find buyers though...Joe Duffy had a 5dr white M135i for sale recently and it didn't hang around for long.

fletch

chriity139 wrote: »

I have only ever seen 2 in person. They have incredible road presence.

I watched one blast around Mondello for a day and it was epic...a Porsche 911 and it were battling it out for a few laps and there was nothing in it.
I see another one most days on my commute and it is a total sleeper...only an absolute enthusiast would pick it out.

vintagevrs

Hachiko wrote: »

Or get a this and keep the left over cash and blow them both away with ease

Im sure its a bit more than 100euro

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/lexus/is-f/used-2008-lexus-is-f-galway-fpa-201540237385840

OP asks about buying a brand new hot hatch and you reckon a 7 year old saloon is a good idea? May as well recommend a motorbike. We get that you like the brand.

And very very few cars would keep up with the A45's rear bumper in Ireland, including that ISF.


OP, did you speak to Mercedes yet? I am sure they can give you a price and delivery times if you call into a dealer. Looking at uk prices could be misleading. I would speak to collieno on the phone if serious about buying one.

PRAS

Ordered an a45 AMG with Gilmores Mercedes. Opted for a 162 plate. Nice people to deal with. I would strongly recommend Gilmores.