Mercedes-Benz CLA (petrol)

Slattsy

Evening all.

The CLA has popped onto my radar recently as I want a new-ish petrol saloon. I think its a lovely looking car (Although i know some wont like it at all :pac:) and at first i didnt really like the interior, but its actually grown on me the more i look at it, so i certainly think its an option for me in a fairly limited petrol market.

There's a few on Carzone (cant link as still in work) around the 33k mark. Would have a budget about this.

So the usual questions, has anyone driven one - whats the drive like?
Reliability, any known problems etc etc

Any thoughts greatly appreciated, as always.

mickdw

Slattsy wrote: »

Evening all.

The CLA has popped onto my radar recently as I want a new-ish petrol saloon. I think its a lovely looking car (Although i know some wont like it at all :pac:) and at first i didnt really like the interior, but its actually grown on me the more i look at it, so i certainly think its an option for me in a fairly limited petrol market.

There's a few on Carzone (cant link as still in work) around the 33k mark. Would have a budget about this.

So the usual questions, has anyone driven one - whats the drive like?
Reliability, any known problems etc etc

Any thoughts greatly appreciated, as always.

I looked at them but the engine options are terrible or at least they were when I looked. 1.6 with not alot of power I seem to remember.
I also think the design is abit fussy and almost girlie.
I'd go with an e class coupe or an older cls instead.

bazz26

I sat in one and found it very small on the inside but then I'm used to bigger cars with lots of space. Not sure about the styling either myself, while it looks grand now it might not age very well quickly.

I guess you either like it from the off or not. The only other real alternative to it is the A3 saloon which is aimed at the more conservative driver.

Casati

I think the design is brilliant, unlike say the A3 saloon, its great to have a unique looking car. The interior and seats look great too and the spec on most of them look good too. Check out the estate version too if you need more room

The base 1.6 petrol in the CLA180 has similar power to a 316i or A3 1.4 TSI - not going to set the world alight but not bad. Avoid the base 1.5 petrol unless you dont mind being slagged off for buying an overpriced Renault Megane. If you find a CLA200 it shouldn't cost much more but has 156bhp

Slattsy

Popped into Mercedes on way home.
CLA is def light on power in the 180. Salesman has a 200 i can look at, which has 156bhp, hopefully get a spin this week or next.

Beautiful motor i have to say. Very tight at the back though. It is a concern, even though for 99.99% of the time it'll only be myself and herself in the car (and hopefully, God willing, a baby seat at some point). Golf clubs will fit no prob in boot!

While in the, had a proper look the C Class and basically orgasm-ed when i sat inside it. Wow.
I think, and im looking for someone to talk me out of it i might just buy one!

Slattsy

Popped into Mercedes on way home.
CLA is def light on power in the 180. Salesman has a 200 i can look at, which has 156bhp, hopefully get a spin this week or next.

Beautiful motor i have to say. Very tight at the back though. It is a concern, even though for 99.99% of the time it'll only be myself and herself in the car (and hopefully, God willing, a baby seat at some point). Golf clubs will fit no prob in boot!

While in there, had a proper look the C Class and basically orgasm-ed when i sat inside it. Wow.
I think, and im looking for someone to talk me out of it i might just buy one!

mickdw

Mercedes have a real winner on the c class.
I'd put it clearly ahead of bmw 3 series and even recently released A4 in terms of desirability.

Slattsy

Its an absolute stunner. Much nicer in 'person' and the interior is amazing.

Soarer

Slattsy wrote: »

Beautiful motor i have to say. Very tight at the back though. It is a concern, even though for 99.99% of the time it'll only be myself and herself in the car (and hopefully, God willing, a baby seat at some point). Golf clubs will fit no prob in boot!

While in there, had a proper look the C Class and basically orgasm-ed when i sat inside it. Wow.

I'd not hold out much hope for a baby seat if that's the state of affairs!

Slattsy

Soarer wrote: »

I'd not hold out much hope for a baby seat if that's the state of affairs!

I'll get to third base one of these days!

Slattsy

Have myself a 161 C Class AMG spec for the weekend

mickdw

Very good.
Should be standard practice really to get to know a car before buying.
I think the c class is a far better buy than a cla.
what engine have you got? And what would the price be?
Note there is a c350e plug in hybrid coming that might not be silly money if the bmw equivalent is anything to go by. There is a 7500 grant on the bmw making it pretty much the cheapest version of the 3 series yet with 250 bhp from turbo petrol and electric motors.

Slattsy

I've a C180 AMG line 1.6, 156 bhp circa 47K

Loving it so far, very smooth. The cabin is just sublime.

Went on a good aul drive it tonight. 2 hours in total!

Slattsy

I've a C180 AMG line 1.6, 156 bhp circa 47K

Loving it so far, very smooth. The cabin is just sublime.

Went on a good aul drive it tonight. 2 hours in total!

Slattsy

Its white though, and i dont like white cars!

Slattsy

707 for an alarm
1400 for metallic paint
1300 for f/r parking sensors (herself wont drive car w/o them now)
1300 for full xenon lights
800 for full leather (avant-garde model is only 50% leather)

Call me naive, (i probably am) but i really expected full xenon's on that class of car.
After the weekend with the car, the difference is absolutely huge, i found it very hard to get used to after 3 1/2 years of full xen with the Audi.

No alarm?? FFS. Its all adding up !!

Expected the metallic paint to come in at 1k ish.

carsfan

are these cla prices or c class?
metallic is a rob!
does it have built in sat nav?

mickdw

Slattsy wrote: »

707 for an alarm
1400 for metallic paint
1300 for f/r parking sensors (herself wont drive car w/o them now)
1300 for full xenon lights
800 for full leather (avant-garde model is only 50% leather)

Call me naive, (i probably am) but i really expected full xenon's on that class of car.
After the weekend with the car, the difference is absolutely huge, i found it very hard to get used to after 3 1/2 years of full xen with the Audi.

No alarm?? FFS. Its all adding up !!

Expected the metallic paint to come in at 1k ish.

Am I right in thinking you have an A5?
I'm in similar situation hoping to change from A5 to something nice. It's not an easy choice.

secman

Wait till June, buy a 161 demo with the spec at a discounted price. Sure Feb will fly in now.

Slattsy

carsfan wrote: »

are these cla prices or c class?
metallic is a rob!
does it have built in sat nav?

C Class. I've gone off the CLA, too small in rear.

Nope!!

mickdw wrote: »

Am I right in thinking you have an A5?
I'm in similar situation hoping to change from A5 to something nice. It's not an easy choice.

Yes A5. Love it. Very hard to see it go. No major hassle at all.

Very hard. Im going out to Joe Duffy BMW on Saturday to have a look at the 3 Series.

Do not like the new A4.

Lexus IS Hybrid is nice.

mickdw

Slattsy wrote: »

C Class. I've gone off the CLA, too small in rear.

Nope!!



Yes A5. Love it. Very hard to see it go. No major hassle at all.

Very hard. Im going out to Joe Duffy BMW on Saturday to have a look at the 3 Series.

Do not like the new A4.

Lexus IS Hybrid is nice.

I've having problems finding something to replace it with. I bought the A5 new in 08 but I will likely be buying used this time, something around Low 30k unless I was to go for a pcp on something new.
A4 etc is a bit ordinary after A5.
I do like the current c class. New C class coupe with the right spec is very nice too.

Slattsy

Plenty of diesel options out there for you for that money.

As I'm looking for petrol my 2nd hand options are limited.

And if I've ever an opportunity to buy new it's now so that's why I'm angling that way.

45k max though. Could get a 320 with a spec I'm happy with for that I think. Hopefully get something off that too from Mr Salesman.

mickdw

Slattsy wrote: »

Plenty of diesel options out there for you for that money.

As I'm looking for petrol my 2nd hand options are limited.

And if I've ever an opportunity to buy new it's now so that's why I'm angling that way.

45k max though. Could get a 320 with a spec I'm happy with for that I think. Hopefully get something off that too from Mr Salesman.

Petrol A5 currently and if I'm going diesel, it wants to be a 6 cylinder.

RedorDead

Slattsy wrote: »

707 for an alarm
1400 for metallic paint
1300 for f/r parking sensors (herself wont drive car w/o them now) Standard in the A4
1300 for full xenon lights Standard in the A4
800 for full leather (avant-garde model is only 50% leather) Standard in the A4

Call me naive, (i probably am) but i really expected full xenon's on that class of car.
After the weekend with the car, the difference is absolutely huge, i found it very hard to get used to after 3 1/2 years of full xen with the Audi.

No alarm?? FFS. Its all adding up !!

Expected the metallic paint to come in at 1k ish.

Cheeky not having them as standard when all 3 are standard in the new A4. Have you considered a new A4 S Line Slattsy? Seriously nice with the right engine in S Line.

Slattsy

Its only ok.

I think its behind the C Class and 3 Series.

Slattsy

Its only ok.

I think its behind the C Class and 3 Series.

carsfan

A4 only has rear parking sensors and the s line has 1/2 leather . Over a grand for full leather.
Have a look at the new bmw 330e m sport. Auto , parking sensors, leather, led headlights for 45k . A plug in hybrid so you will have gotten 7.5 k back from the government.

Slattsy

Whats a plug in hybrid ?

Slattsy

Mrs wont drive an auto as she's from Sligo and has problems driving in ice in an auto around the back roads to her home - true story.

mickdw

Slattsy wrote: »

Whats a plug in hybrid ?

In the case of the bmw, it's a 2.0 turbo petrol engine with 184 bhp and an electric motor which together bring it up to 250 bhp. You plug the car in and it can run all electric for 20 miles or it will combine sources to give best efficiency.
It's a very useful car if ones typical drive is short trips. A full charge costs about 70 cent on night rate.

bazz26

I have to laugh at the cheek of charging €1300 extra for parking sensors. Should be standard on a car of that segment and price.

Slattsy

I does have rear parking camera, and to be honest its fine for me, its very well engineered the view is great and you can change the angle to you're flush with whatever is either side of you.

But herself wont drive it w/o the sensors, too reliant on them.

I reckon i could get them fitted afterwards for half that price.

Slattsy

I does have rear parking camera, and to be honest its fine for me, its very well engineered the view is great and you can change the angle to you're flush with whatever is either side of you.

But herself wont drive it w/o the sensors, too reliant on them.

I reckon i could get them fitted afterwards for half that price.

carsfan

Do Merc dealers do deals now? How are they to talk to?
I have always found them to be take it or leave it types.

RedorDead

carsfan wrote: »

A4 only has rear parking sensors and the s line has 1/2 leather . Over a grand for full leather.
Have a look at the new bmw 330e m sport. Auto , parking sensors, leather, led headlights for 45k . A plug in hybrid so you will have gotten 7.5 k back from the government.

Sorry - didnt see front in OPs post. Front sensors ridiculous in a car that size. The leather alcantara is nicer than full leather i think anyway. The beemer is attractive alright once you remove the 7.5k - will be interesting to see what its like. After driving all 3 back to back theres not much between A4 and 3 Series, cannot see the attraction in the c class but the interior is an improvement on the old c class.

Slattsy

carsfan wrote: »

Do Merc dealers do deals now? How are they to talk to?
I have always found them to be take it or leave it types.

Pretty much said 1500 ish would be best he could do. Some of that would be to increase trade in slightly.

mickdw

carsfan wrote: »

Do Merc dealers do deals now? How are they to talk to?
I have always found them to be take it or leave it types.

Ive found them all to be assholes. Honestly, I have not interest in giving any of the mercedes dealers money at this stage.

Slattsy

mickdw wrote: »

Ive found them all to be assholes. Honestly, I have not interest in giving any of the mercedes dealers money at this stage.

Guy I was dealing it was sound to be fair.
Went out of his way to get me in a manual, petrol, saloon and was more than happy to over me car for weekend.

Let's see what BMW are like on Saturday and I'll probably drop over to Audi North Dublin also for a nose.

mickdw

Are you under 30?
I find under 30s suffer alittle when entering mercedes dealers.
I hope they have woken up abit as they have a fresh enough range of cars now and they need to cater to younger people.

Slattsy

Im 33, but fresh faced most of the time

collieno

If you are thinking of buying one or want any more info let me know, I work in sales for a Mercedes dealership and don't have the attitude mentioned by others

carsfan

@collieno
Do customers ever comment over the lack of kit on models like the c class compared to competitors?
I know I am in the market for one of these cars but the standard equipment of the c is too far behind the competition beautiful looking and all as it is?
UK c class seems to have much better specs.

eamondunphy

Just wondering, i got a 2013 white c180 in UK last year, would love to trade up to the new c class, think it came out late 2014

I know it's not exact, but I see similar cars to mine selling for about €30k plus on official Mercedes dealers, mine is automatic, leather seats, front and back parking sensors, only 30 thousand kilometers on it

If dealers are selling it for approx 30k, and mine has higher spec... What would I expect to get for mine if trading in for a car worth approx 35k..

Anyone have an idea of a ball park figure?

eamondunphy

Just wondering, i got a 2013 white c180 in UK last year, would love to trade up to the new c class, think it came out late 2014

I know it's not exact, but I see similar cars to mine selling for about €30k plus on official Mercedes dealers, mine is automatic, leather seats, front and back parking sensors, only 30 thousand kilometers on it

If dealers are selling it for approx 30k, and mine has higher spec... What would I expect to get for mine if trading in for a car worth approx 35k..

Anyone have an idea of a ball park figure?

Slattsy

BMW was lovely to drive,lovely looker but the interior is terrible in my opinion, it just doesnt marry well.
Everything very basic, plasticy looking and just lacks a lot of class for a car like that.

Offered me 2k less than Merc for my own car and very little wiggle room compared to Merc.

Slattsy

BMW was lovely to drive,lovely looker but the interior is terrible in my opinion, it just doesnt marry well.
Everything very basic, plasticy looking and just lacks a lot of class for a car like that.

Offered me 2k less than Merc for my own car and very little wiggle room compared to Merc.

carsfan

What 3 did you drive?
When you say less wriggle room do you mean not up for a bit of haggling?

Slattsy

It was 318d - nice yolk in fairness, for a diesel.

Yes. Little room, I'd say 500e tops.

Slattsy

It was 318d - nice yolk in fairness, for a diesel.

Yes. Little room, I'd say 500e tops.

carsfan

c class it is so?

Slattsy

Went to Audi also and the new A4 isnt great and coming from an A5 its a big step down.

Yeah im leaning towards it now alright.

Another factor is the 3 series will be changing in 2 years, while there wont be a new C Class for 4.