Merc v Audi maintenance and upkeep

FlubberJones

Looking at either a Merc GLA AMG or an Audi A3 Black edition and would like to try and understand the demands of these vehicles.

Maintenance, servicing and general wear and tear, what is the best way to find this type of information.

In the event of a breakdown or fault, what would generally be the most expensive motor to support and repair.

Thanks

JustARandomGuy

Definitely the Mercedes, regardless of the engine.

Seweryn

That is a complex issue and not easy to answer. You can for example list in a table some wear and tear components and compare the prices:
i.e. clutch (if applicable), brakes, shock absorbers, suspension components, etc.
Between these two, there is no clear winner. The prices of parts are similar (Audi being often more expensive on balance), and the overall upkeep cost would be a pure guess based on luck and what can potentially go wrong in which car.

kirving

In this example, the Merc, but only because it's bigger and heavier.

In general though, nothing between either manufacturer.

https://www.reliabilityindex.com/manufacturer

FlubberJones

It is a complicated answer I agree, at times though anecdotal and from experience will be very helpful, which is what I was hoping for.

For some reason I do feel the A3 will be cheaper to maintain than the Merc, possibly linked to the "premiem'ness" of Merc... I could be well off the mark though

Seweryn

FlubberJones wrote: »

For some reason I do feel the A3 will be cheaper to maintain than the Merc, possibly linked to the "premiem'ness" of Merc... I could be well off the mark though

Like for like Audi parts are dearer in most cases. Their cars are one of the most expensive to repair once they go wrong.

route66

FlubberJones wrote: »

Looking at either a Merc GLA AMG or an Audi A3 Black edition and would like to try and understand the demands of these vehicles.

Maintenance, servicing and general wear and tear, what is the best way to find this type of information.

In the event of a breakdown or fault, what would generally be the most expensive motor to support and repair.

Thanks

You asked a similar question recently about the Merc recently (link) but as you are still unclear on what exactly you are planning to buy, I guess any answer you get would have to be generic.


When I hear Merc GLA AMG, I visualise a compact 4WD SUV with a hand-built petrol engine with an output of > 200 BHP per litre and a DSG gearbox. That will be expensive to maintain and parts will be expensive. If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be considering one.



Or are you referring to an AMG trim line like BMWs "M" pack? These could be petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powered. They could have manual, auto or DSG transmission and could have FWD or AWD. A lot of variables here and with a relatively new and rare model like the GLA, I doubt you will be able to glean much from previous owners' experiences.


The link to the Reliability Index above is a good starting point but doesn't make good reading for either marque you mention. If you are concerned about costs, then it may make more sense to buy something further up the table - Lexus make very reliable cars and their smaller UX and NX SUVs may be a better fit for you.



Is "Black Line" a trim level?

FlubberJones

route66 wrote: »

You asked a similar question recently about the Merc recently (link) but as you are still unclear on what exactly you are planning to buy, I guess any answer you get would have to be generic.


When I hear Merc GLA AMG, I visualise a compact 4WD SUV with a hand-built petrol engine with an output of > 200 BHP per litre and a DSG gearbox. That will be expensive to maintain and parts will be expensive. If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be considering one.



Or are you referring to an AMG trim line like BMWs "M" pack? These could be petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powered. They could have manual, auto or DSG transmission and could have FWD or AWD. A lot of variables here and with a relatively new and rare model like the GLA, I doubt you will be able to glean much from previous owners' experiences.



The link to the Reliability Index above is a good starting point but doesn't make good reading for either marque you mention. If you are concerned about costs, then it may make more sense to buy something further up the table - Lexus make very reliable cars and their smaller UX and NX SUVs may be a better fit for you.



Is "Black Line" a trim level?

Nope not 200BHP one, this is not in my thought process and would certainly be expensive to maintain.

This (MERC) is a trim line with a 7 speed 1.6 auto gear box. And yes (well noted) experiences with these cars are proving difficult to gain, they are fairly rare.

Yes, it is an enhanced S Line trim. The Audi is a 1.4 150bhp version, three doors too which appeals to me.

In reality my partner is more cautious than I am, but still looking for general experiences that have been thin on the ground.

colm_mcm

Aren’t the A3s all 5 door now?

FlubberJones

colm_mcm wrote: »

Aren’t the A3s all 5 door now?

nah, this 2017 version is three door, A3 S Line Black Edition Tfsi

colm_mcm

Ah right I get you now. I thought you were looking at new cars.

What does a 2017 A3 1.4 go for these days?

route66

FlubberJones wrote: »

Nope not 200BHP one, this is not in my thought process and would certainly be expensive to maintain.

This (MERC) is a trim line with a 7 speed 1.6 auto gear box. And yes (well noted) experiences with these cars are proving difficult to gain, they are fairly rare.

Yes, it is an enhanced S Line trim. The Audi is a 1.4 150bhp version, three doors too which appeals to me.

In reality my partner is more cautious than I am, but still looking for general experiences that have been thin on the ground.

If you click here (boards.ie link), you'll see some negative experiences from an owner of a 191 C180d (and my response referencing a reliability survey).



Although VW group products are far from perfect, it does appear that they are better than the Mercedes offerings. If you are looking for hassle-free ownership, you should probably look at other options.

frozenfrozen

do you have any good indie mechanics near you who specialise in either? that would probably sway which is more expensive.

If you had to go main dealer or to an indie who wasn't experienced with your particular car...

FlubberJones

colm_mcm wrote: »

Ah right I get you now. I thought you were looking at new cars.

What does a 2017 A3 1.4 go for these days?

This is coming in at 23900, 46km on the clock .

https://www.windsor.ie/used-cars/12257944-audi-a3-black-edition-tfsi-150-co-d-start-stop/

FlubberJones

Well in the end I am deciding to go with the Merc, the trade in and the discount and a two year warranty thrown in have clinched it for me.