Would love some advice re pros/cons for A160 versus the A190 Mercedes.
I'm looking at possibly buying one or the other.I really only have 4grand at a maximum to spend (would prefer around $3500) so I'm looking at a 1999 to 2001 model.My dad and brother are pushing me towards the A190 but I'm loathe to spend more on something that to me looks exactly the same as the A160. They are going on about leather trim and the fact it's more powerful but those things just aren't really important to me, and won't I end up spending a lot more in gas! which is a really major factor for me. I read a review that said the extra power in an A190 versus an A160 is wasted as it shows up the limitations of the chassis.I don't really understand what that means but all I know is I never drive over 100k anyway.the car I'm driving at the moment is a 1500 and I've been happy with that.
Any advice, especially on fuel consumption, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
intrade,
Dec 3, 12:07am
some got expensive mass airflow meter thats what i know on the A160 model. check what engine its got and gearbox and then figure what one makes the least problems, thats what you would want to look for. speed limmit is 100kph and you wont take these on a race track they fallen over on elch test its why they now have "esp"
Cheers for that intrade, I don't know anything about the airflow meter but will check it out.
I also just wanted to add that I live rurally and will be using it only for a three times a week 80k round trip (very rarely would I be driving in town). I like the fact it seems to have a good safety rating and the 'sandwich' thing.
I'd be keen to hear from you guys advice as to what you would recommend to buy in my price range knowing that I'm rural etc.
intrade,
Dec 3, 12:16am
the A160 was mercedes prototype for a electric fuelcell car. the whole floor under the car is empy to acommadate the feulcell and hydrogen tanks. this was suposed to go in to production in 2004 was in magazins about in 1996 the car is called necar or similar. It never went in to production and they instead just fitted a normal engine and fuel tank , this did lead to it become top heavy with all the suposed stuff not under the floor now so they fell on its side when they done the elch test its what its called = swirving heavy at 60kph to avoid hitting a object then swerving back once passeing the object. the A160 fell on its side in this test and the manufacturer swiftly installed anti distabilsation program so it wont fall over when you do the elch test.
intrade,
Dec 3, 12:18am
my mates A160 has real tini wheels and he has scraped it a few times on peoples driveway not even lifing rural So see if you can look for ones with larger diameter wheels. i assume the small ones where used to lower the A160s top heavy parts down.
Oh dear! That doesn't look good! I find the Internet a fantastic source of info but bloody frustrating .ive found you can find an argument for or against anything and I'm just not knowledgable enough to determine what's right!
P.s $4000 is my absolute max, I've been looking at ones for about $3200 but would consider more (like $3500) if it has really low mileage and a good service history.turners have had a few recently that have looked ok.trademe is definitely a bit pricier!
kazbanz,
Dec 3, 12:25am
4sarah4 - If you are working with a tight budget -and will be in the future I would STRONGLYrecommend you steer well clear of an A class merc. They DO give mechanical issues and these are expensive to fix. If you chhose to ignore my advise then at the very least have the vehicle mechanically examined by a Merc specialist mechanical workshop.
4sarah4,
Dec 3, 12:25am
Cheers for that, I've also read to try and look for ones that have a longer wheel base! (I think that's what it is!) because apparently they have more legroom and don't mean you have to sit in such an upright position.
fiatracer,
Dec 3, 12:32am
I've driven, and sold, a high-spec A190. It was ok, but certainly not overendowed with power. Sorry to say, but A class Mercs should be avoided, and one at under 4k is a massive liability. If you want a smallish practical car for that money I'd look for a well-cared-for BMW 318ti, or a Golf if you want a Euro car. If you're not fussed, any old Jappa would be better than an A class.
4sarah4,
Dec 3, 12:39am
Yes this was one of my major reservations.as irrational as it is though, being a 'girly girl' the look is really important to me. I like the fact that the older models in my price range look extremely similar to the later models (apart from the little bumper additions). I like it that I can buy a 1999 model and it looks the same as a 2004. Whereas the other cars I looked at that I liked all seemed to have had fairly significant model/body changes in the later models so the ones in my price range looked very much their age.
I've been careful to look for ones that have had regular and recent servicing by merc specialists and I have ruled out anything over 100,000k.
I'm still really keen to hear everyone's advice on suggestions of what they would buy!
mm12345,
Dec 3, 12:46am
+1 If you're short of moolah - then the first normal "minor" routine problem that you encounter with a A160 or A190 will quite probably cost you more than the car did in the first place.
There's usually a damned good reason why some car models sell at such low prices for what they seem to be.
kazbanz,
Dec 3, 12:52am
ok sarah I'll put it in plain (perhaps blunt) english. Do you want to own a really cool lawn orament (car parked on the lawn undrivable) Or do you want a car you can drive every day! With your budget the very high likelyhood is that the a160/a190 will end up being just that. -an undrivable lawn orniment Think about this --WHY is a 1999 low km vehicle in the same price bracket as other older /higher km vehicles. Its a hint to you that theres an issue. -Just one example-ALL merc dealerships in Nz have at least one indicator multiswitch in stock
fiatracer,
Dec 3, 1:46am
To clarify. Mercedes Benz have a reputation as durable, well-engineered, tough cars.
Except 1990- the mid 2000s - when the opposite can be applied.
ratherbefishin,
Dec 3, 2:12am
Don't touch them, they are nightmares. They have an inherent transmission fault that is prevalent in all of them, and the fix isn't reliable. It's a Spanish made piece of crap.
elect70,
Dec 3, 2:46am
That was the period when MBdeliberatly cut qualitythe then new GM said they were over engineered.salesfellhe got the chop& MB trying ever since toconvincebuyersthey are back toprevious high quality .Avoid that era
fiatracer,
Dec 3, 3:15am
yep - the one I sold [on behalf of sister-in-law] had receipts for a new trans at 40,000km from new, and it wasn't cheap!
franc123,
Dec 3, 5:01am
Spend $3k on the best late 90's Pulsar or Corolla or Laser etc you can find and spend a bit on a good prepurchase inspection and a full service, don't look back and don't never ever as in not ever be tempted by an A class again, and certainly not one that is so suspiciously cheap.Shockingly unreliable, cheaply built, not even nice to drive and nightmarishly expensive to fix. It was MB's arrogant two fingered salute to all other small car makers to demonstrate how everyone else had been making cars wrong and supposed to show how it should be done. Instead it was a design ballsup right from the start and an embarrassment to its makers and an epic fail in the market because it never ended up being what it was supposed to be, which as said was an alternative fuel vehicle. When you said you only had a 4k budget to buy it gave me the chills.
by_hdt,
Dec 3, 6:12am
$4k to buy, $4 a year in repairs/servicing. Believe me, I worked for a MB agent and I can honestly say they are shit, engine ecu's, airflow meters, coil packs, indicator stalks, transmissions, a/c compressors, constant electrical gremlins and trim falling off are the usual problems.
Due to the nature of the "sandwich" design (ie engine and gearbox under the floor) basic service items (belts, hoses, spark plugs) are very hard to get at, and obviously cost more as the labour content is higher, also this means that for pretty much ANY major engine, transmission, starter motor, steering rack work requires removal of the subframe and engine/trans assembly. big $$$$.
To be bluntly honest an A class or any euro for that matter is WELL beyond your means to purchase and run. Picking a car based on looks is not a wise idea if the budget is tight, besides an A class has no snob value, and anyone who thinks that they are a posh car is just kidding themselves, there is a reason we burst into laughter when one comes in to work, all it does it tell us that an idiot has just arrived, they are an over priced and under engineered piece of shit, an FX GT corolla is way cooler and way more reliable.
Basically, Live within your means, looking cool doesn't mean shit if you are on the bus or paying $3500 for your first repair. There is a reason they are cheap and there is also a reason why everybody tells you the same thing. DON'T BUY ONE. unless you want a christmas ham every year from your mechanic.
mm12345,
Dec 3, 6:13am
This is the most consistent condemnation thread I've ever seen on this forum.Hope the OP is "feeling the love" about these cars.
andrewph,
Dec 3, 11:32am
Dont! They destroy starter motors, transmissions, speedos, air flow meters and e.c.u.s. R E G U L A R L Y .
charlybrown,
Dec 3, 1:46pm
ONLY 2 words you need to knowCOROLLA-PULSARcorolla preferablyeven the auckland bus system would be more reliable than what your dreaming of owning.listen to whatpeople are saying to YOU .
rovercitroen,
Dec 4, 12:28am
How about a "cool" Italian car! I suggest a 2002 - 2004 Fiat Punto. Jazzpianoma, our resident Fiat expert may be along soon to add more info.
llortmt,
Dec 4, 3:11am
Jaz thinks he can get them for under $250. LOL
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