sandcracker21

I currently have a 2008 Cadillac CTS4 and looking to trade it in as its starting to get old

I have heard horror stories about the CLA250, but I really like the style and the price is doable. Any honest reviews about the problems this car is experiencing? I would be looking at a used model, probably 2014 do to price. Have seen a few fully loaded 2014's going for low 30's

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance

michail71

I personally would go for a C-Class and a 2014 at that. I don't like the newer design as much.

On paper the CLA looks like it should be better than a C-Class but behind the wheel it's a different story. I'd probably take a VW CC over a CLA, they look similar body wise.

But that's just me and the CLA is a good car. What's important comes down to the individual's prefereance.

Now if I really had my choice it would be the Maybach S600.

2katman2

There doesn't seem to be much action here regarding the CLA - you'll get a lot more info over at http://www.mercedescla.org

The biggest complaint among owners is the transmission.

The second is the harsh ride.

Some have no problem with either. Some prefer to give up a little ride comfort for handling.

The CLA is a driver's car that has good road feel, unlike the new C300, which is somewhat more civilized, the kind of car you'd buy for a family, and corners like a Sealy Posturepedic on wheels.

It all depends on what you're looking for.

BlankProc

Drove it as a loaner once, never will again. I'd agree with poster that said go with a C class. Either a used W204 or W205 would be a much better choice for the money. May spend a couple extra grand but it would be well worth it.

hscala

I have a CLA250 & love it except for the voice activated navigation which is a piece of junk. I've had the car in several times with no improvement. They claim they may have a fix but haven't reached my Vin in several months. They've claimed this before. Anyone else having similar problems?

C3004Matt

I had a CLA loaner and I did not like it. Just got my c class back (trans flush). Quick lil turbo 4 but cramped and uncomfortable interior.

Zavato

it's a car designed to get people into MB. If your price point is low 30's, can't you get a 2013 E class in that price range?

C3004Matt

With depreciation he can get many mb's for the high 20's

hscala

I love it except for 2 things: the navigation stinks & the rear visibility is poor.

ExcessPhase

https://foelsche.wordpress.com/

5ilver-5urfer

Honestly, there isn't much I can say that hasn't been covered. I can, however, atest to the fact that the CLA250 feels like it's rails. It's almost BMWesque how planted this car feels when cornering. The power curve is a real blast as well. There is an incredible amount of satisfaction knowing the gearbox and when the power comes out in this car - and using it accordingly. This car is quite literally the exact opposite of linear power - a great thing in my opinion.

c300white

I just rented a 2017 cla250 for the weekend and put 600+ miles on it .... here are my impressions (versus w204 c300 and BMW e46)

+ interior looks classy - even with mbtex - the mbtex on my '08 wears much better than real leather . Instrument cluster is good. Get the apple car play option. Pano roof makes
cabin light

engine sounds smooth for a 4 and has plenty of power and torque - fun to drive - more responsive than the v6 c300

great gas mileage - almost 36 on the freeway at 80mph+

Transmission was smooth - can't notice shifts even under hard acceleration. It does take a bit of getting used to in the way it shifts from park (need to give gas - not like regular auto) , but shift from traffic light into first was smooth and paddle shifters give you plenty of control when you want to down shift to overtake or rip up a freeway on ramp ...

torque steer is not noticeable - but you can tell this is nose heavy front wheel drive car. Handling is not bad - but not BMW e46 like - steering feel is very light at park and firms up nicely at speed - pretty good but not best I've driven.

c300white

roof line make rear entry hard - I had three teenagers in there - but not a huge amount of back seat room. Ok for occasional use

main issue was the ride. Suspension is harsh over bad roads and lots of road noise on the pireli p7 tires

But overall - it is more stylish than the c - I think engine and transmission have some advantages - and if you can live with a more cramped back seat - and harsher ride - it is a very nice car ....

polarbexar

I know this is kind of an old post but I'd like to speak of one of my favorite cars now. I have had my 17 CLA since December 16 and have put 24K miles on it. I love it, and I made the right choice for me. My prior car was a 2005 C class that I put 316K miles on before it got totaled out.
I do a lot of driving, and its usually just me in the car. I considered the new W205 Coupe and a new E300, but I liked the size of the CLA. A bonus with mine is it has the Motorsports edition so I have the AMG seats and lots of Mercedes version of alcantera. I have a coworker that has an Audi S5 and likes my car better than his.