CLA 35, CLA 45 AMG (C117, C118) 2013 to Present, Two generations

Think about getting a CLA45 help

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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 09:36 AM
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Think about getting a CLA45 help

I'm thinking about getting a CLA45 for my DD, I'm 6'2" 200 pounds, I have a 18month son, so I need to fit a carseat in the back, I have a small 15 miles drive to and from work.
Now is the car comfortable for a DD? Dose someone have inside on the Recaro VS regular seats? and How about fitting a carseat on the back any first hand experiences?

Thank you, hopefully I will become a regular here
JV
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 09:54 AM
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IMO i wouldnt get a cla45 as a DD....I would get a E series or a ML63
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 10:32 AM
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I'm considering the CLA 45 because I also want something fun to drive.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 10:40 AM
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The 45 will be fine IMO. I personally opted not to get the sport seats as, while it is not my DD, I DO drive it to work a lot a prefer the standard seats for easier getting in/out of the car. I would also pass on the performance suspension as it is quite stiff. Its a hoot to drive and I love every minute of it.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 10:45 AM
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I have a CLS more roomy than a CLA.. A rear facing car seat will make your passenger seat get pushed all the way forward. My wife is tiny so when we decide to take my car its not so bad. Im assuming it will be worse in a CLA. Maybe consider a E550.. id say C350 but its probably not that much more roomy than the CLA. good luck
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by G55AMG
I'm considering the CLA 45 because I also want something fun to drive.
If I were you I would wait for the GLA45.
The CLA45 is fun to drive but it would be a very tough DD. The suspension is tuned for the track and from what I hear it is very unforgiving.
If you dont mind a slightly over-sized 5 door sedan then the GLA45 is perfect for you.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Tjdehya
If I were you I would wait for the GLA45.
The CLA45 is fun to drive but it would be a very tough DD. The suspension is tuned for the track and from what I hear it is very unforgiving.
If you dont mind a slightly over-sized 5 door sedan then the GLA45 is perfect for you.
No complaints with the suspension on my CLA45. It's firm but that's how it should be in a car like this and it's my DD. I'm not sure it's much worse than my 2012 C63 was.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:34 PM
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I didn't get mine as a DD but I did get it because it was a 4 door and could tote the kids if need be. The seat adjustments go back FAAAAR. Your legs will have no problem fitting at all. If you get the regular seats instead of the Recaro's, you'll probably be more comfortable driving in it daily. The sport suspension is stiff, but I liked that. Felt like a sports car. Opt for standard and you should be pleased.

But as James said, there are better options depending on your budget.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Flipstylephoto
I didn't get mine as a DD but I did get it because it was a 4 door and could tote the kids if need be. The seat adjustments go back FAAAAR. Your legs will have no problem fitting at all. If you get the regular seats instead of the Recaro's, you'll probably be more comfortable driving in it daily. The sport suspension is stiff, but I liked that. Felt like a sports car. Opt for standard and you should be pleased.

But as James said, there are better options depending on your budget.
I guess it also depends where you live. If you are in florida or something like that its not that bad. I live in CT and the winters in the North East will destroy your car faster than you can say AMG. There are also pot holes galore up here.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bmoney12
No complaints with the suspension on my CLA45. It's firm but that's how it should be in a car like this and it's my DD. I'm not sure it's much worse than my 2012 C63 was.
I test drove the C63 too, and that thing is not a dialy driver either. You can make it your DD... you can also sleep on a bed of nails.

I am not saying that you cant make a CLA45 a DD, I am just saying that if someone is seeking a "comfortable" DD then the CLA45 is not it.
Anyone can make the CLA45 a DD but it will never be a "comfortable" DD, and I believe that what the OP asked.
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 07:37 PM
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if you want something fun to drive, and can manage it, go for a 911 or a Caymen
or something......even my salesman mentioned to me today what low quality the CLA is.....even though they look incredible....I think money would be better spent elsewhere


just my two pennies
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by G55AMG
I'm thinking about getting a CLA45 for my DD, I'm 6'2" 200 pounds, I have a 18month son, so I need to fit a carseat in the back, I have a small 15 miles drive to and from work.
Now is the car comfortable for a DD? Dose someone have inside on the Recaro VS regular seats? and How about fitting a carseat on the back any first hand experiences?

Thank you, hopefully I will become a regular here
JV
Have you considered the S4?
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 09:29 PM
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I agree, maybe look at GLA45, they are a bit roomier which might be ideal for your situation. Plus it would also be very fun to drive!

I have no idea what people are saying by 'low quality?' Shocking that people would say that about a Benz!

Mine is a DD and I did get the Recaros and upgraded AMG suspension. It definitely is not a soft ride and is very hard, plus I agree, the sporty Recaros look cool but especially if you are a bigger person might be difficult getting into and out of on a daily basis. Personally, I have no complaints and love the way my car looks, drives and sounds!!
Best of luck!
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Old Mar 24, 2014 | 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by jonnyrt
I agree, maybe look at GLA45, they are a bit roomier which might be ideal for your situation. Plus it would also be very fun to drive!

I have no idea what people are saying by 'low quality?' Shocking that people would say that about a Benz!

Mine is a DD and I did get the Recaros and upgraded AMG suspension. It definitely is not a soft ride and is very hard, plus I agree, the sporty Recaros look cool but especially if you are a bigger person might be difficult getting into and out of on a daily basis. Personally, I have no complaints and love the way my car looks, drives and sounds!!
Best of luck!
Ya my CLA45 is a POS too lol
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