LCib

Hey everyone! My apologies if this is not the correct sub-forum, if so, please feel free to delete, just let me know how to do it ''correctly'' next time. Long story short is, i'm looking to get a MB, i got a few models in mind, as such am looking for owner feedback. I never owned a MB, but some of my friends do and been loving the brand and the cars for a while now. Vehicles I have in mind at the moment: (am more focused on drivetrain/reliability than interior/options)
- GLA45 (2015-2016)
- CLA45 (2015-2016)
- A45 (2015-2016)
- E400 Coupe W212 (2015-2017)
- C450/43 (2015-2016)
Bit of background, am 22 and i'm looking for a car ''suitable'' for my age if you know what i mean. Drove most of the cars on the list (except the A45) and must say i love the character of the 2.0L turbo in the 45 models, but the V6 is giving me sleepless nights. Happy for every bit of advice or help sent my way!
Thank you in advance.

Mr. Toad

You indicated that you are 22 years old. How much cash do you have in the bank?

Zahmed1094

At 22, why a car that few people identify as one for that age group? Lots easier and less expensive out there, faster too.

ygmn

Forum section for each car you list.
Open them up and read everything...

chassis

You will like the E and C better than the A models. The 6 cylinder engine in the models you listed is a reliable MB engine, which isn’t usually the case with MB.

Can you afford the maintenance expense?

LCib

I feel comfortable enough with my bank account to be looking at these cars. Appreciate the concern though!

LCib

To be honest, can't really reply. It's one of the few cars I like, and i'm not looking for a car to ''identify the age group'' but rather to enjoy myself. Would be happy to take more MB recommendations though!

LCib

Will do, thank you for the tip, and apologies. As mentioned, am new here, and quite frankly, just started getting used to the forum.

Appreciate the input! Will look more into the cars you mentioned. And yes, I do, appreciate the concern!

503hp

While those are all Mercedes, they are pretty different in size, shape and function! We might be more useful if you could share how your car will be used? For example, do you carry around people in your back seats? Do you live in a place with snow and ice and want AWD? Do you love driving twisty mountain roads, high-speed highways, or are you just slogging through urban traffic? What sorts of things make you really excited about a car, and what do you hate?

Depending on how you answer, you might be able to cull some choices off your list.

Are you in the USA? If yes, know that many dealerships can offer you an extended warranty even if the used Mercedes is currently out of warranty. For example, the CarMax dealerships offer a very well regarded extended warranty on all cars they sell that pays for unexpected repairs. It even lets you take the car to the MB dealership for repairs. This can be a way to free yourself to pick whichever model you love, regardless of powertrain reliability, as you'd know your warranty would cover the unexpected costs.

From your list, I've only driven the GLA45 and C450. Because the C450 has much nicer luxury fittings, a more comfortable ride and that great sounding V6, it would be my choice!

LCib

Thank you for your reply! Indeed, it seems I missed to provide some critical information. As such, here it is: not in the USA but Germany, daily commute is 50-60km (total) mostly on Autobahn with 3-4km in city. I usually drive alone except for small trips where some friends come by (2-3 people). Engine sound is definitely one of the things that excites me in a car, acceleration as well, and if it can occasionally drift (on closed roads of course) it's even better, but i know none of my choices would be ''drifting''.

Warranty will indeed be a choosing factor when choosing which dealership to use as I know here most of them provide at least 1 year warranty with the option to extend it.

The C450/43 model indeed is stuck in my head.

503hp

Autobahn! Now I am jealous! It seems like you really love the V6's sounds, and you'll have autobahns where you can give it a great workout. Plus, you occasionally have people sitting in the back seat of your car. I'm sure all of the cars you listed work work, but I personally would go with the C450/C43 too, as I think it would be the most fun on the derestricted autobahn and probably the most comfortable too (except for the E400).

I doubt any of those options are good drift cars in the summer. But when it snows you can have some fun!