Mercedes A-Class - Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / Autotronic - (Auto) - 1992 cc - Max Speed: 116 mph - 109 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: Elegance SE, Classic SE, Classic, Avantgarde SE, Long
Advantages: Comfort, dashboard, engine, build quality Disadvantages: Badly thought out reverse gear on manual gearboxes
I recently changed positions within my own company and ended up with either a company car or a car allowance. Given my previous car had been written off by a driver who crossed a give way sign in broad daylight, I took the company car option.
Given a choice of a German make, a German make, a German make or a German make, I went for a German make. Specifically a Mercedes. I could have gotten a cheaper car (still have to pay benefit in kind costs) but had always wanted to drive around a brand new Mercedes, at least once. So that's what I did.
Exterior/Image:
One of the reasons I went for a Merc, rather than a BMW is that the image of a BMW driver is inconsiderate, tail-gaiting and impatient and those that drive Beemers are all tarred with the same brush. In other words, I actually wanted to be let out at a junction.
The Sports ...
Advantages: None Disadvantages: Timing Chain Slips at arounf 70,000 miles
This car has a major problem with its timing chain. It can slip and cause immense engine damage (Piston cracks, Valves Bent, etc). It is very costly to fix. I would recommend anyone who has one to get the chain replaced at 50,000 miles. It happened my 2003 one at 65,000 miles. I was in touch wih Mercedes and they acknowledged it was a problem. Unfortunately it was out of warrenty. You get no warning despite a diagnostic computer system installed in the car. I would definitely not recommend this car. I have also been told by people in the car industry that it has happened to thousands of these models. Mercedes are not helpful and will fight you all the way to the court steps, which is very costly, before admiting liability. ...
josalmon 19.02.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Mercedes E 200
