- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.6i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
75kW, 150Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
NA
- Ancap Safety
NA
1998 Mercedes-Benz A Class review: Used car guide
A radical design for its day, with a tall stance and efficient packaging, it promised to move four adults and luggage in a car that was shorter than a Barina.
Beyond the hype, it transpired the A Class had just as many compromises as most small cars. Rear passengers had to adopt a knees-up, head-down posture and luggage space was far from generous.
More importantly, the car did not have the build quality of more expensive Benzes and plenty of owners have reported problems, some niggling and some major.
Nor has it shown Benz's long-term body integrity, with plenty of squeaks and rattles coming in after a few years. Many A Class owners love their cars, but others have found theirs difficult to live with.
The car has a tall posture that can underline a tendency to body roll in hard cornering, despite standard traction control and stability control.
The ride is also fairly firm and the trim looks cheap and cheerful.
The transmission options are a full automatic or an electronic clutchless manual, in which an electric a motor operates the clutch as the driver backs off the accelerator and moves the gear stick.
This may sound a challenge but getting accustomed to it is very easy and quick.
Early models have a 1.6-litre engine, with a 1.9 added in 1999 and a 1.4 in 2000.
The 1.6 examples are spirited without being breathtaking but 1.4s are far from exciting and drivers have their hands full getting them to handle Sydney's lower North Shore-type topography.
The 1.9, the best drive, is priced accordingly.
There was a recall to replace the brake master cylinder in 2000 and 2001 models. Excessive pedal movement developed in freezing conditions, and many of these cars found their way to the snow.
How much
A good '98 A160 Classic auto with 75,000km is about $24,000 and a '01 with 40,000km about $30,000. Add $2000-$2500 for Avantgarde. An A140 from '01 is $27,000; that year's A190 is $36,000. Deduct $700-$1100 for the clutchless manual.
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The others
Other hatches of this specification are half the price. Fetching about the same money are the Alfa 156, Audi A3, BMW 316 Compact and Volvo S40.
What to look for
Engine and transmission
There have been problems stemming from low oil pressure – get a qualified mechanic to check. Note excessive engine noise and exhaust smoke.
Fit and finish
Generally good but not as good as other Mercedes passenger cars. Squeaks and rattles have developed. Check folding of rear seats and look for wear in the cargo area, as some have been used to haul cargo.
Miscellaneous
Check that brake recall work was done. Listen for suspension and brake noise as some of these have been driven quite hard.
Assistance
An NRMA inspection is a good precaution (phone 131 122). NRMA technical advisers are on 1300 655 443.
Smart buyers tip
Wheels and covers tell stories about a car and are always worth checking. Scoring and scratching, especially on the passenger's side, usually indicates hard contact with the kerb, and the worse it is the more such contacts have happened. Repeated impacts knock the wheels out of alignment and can damage steering and suspension components. If the steering wheel vibrates or jiggles at freeway speed, have the steering checked.
Drive FAQs
If I put new tyres on the car I'm selling will I get a sufficient increase in price to cover the cost?
Unlikely. But sending people out for test drives on bald tyres puts you in a tricky legal situation if they crash. Good tyres will show potential buyers that you take care of the car and you'll likely close a deal much sooner.
Questions to: askdrivetrader@smh.com.au (No attachments, please. We do not give valuations.)
Inside info
The electronically operated clutchless manual in the A Class was radical in its day but such gearboxes are becoming increasingly common in Europe, where they help to meet ever more stringent emission legislation.
Manual gearboxes can increase emissions when the driver operates the clutch. Electronics lower emissions by substantially cutting the time it takes to shift gears.
Prices and details correct at publication date.