Should I buy a GLA?
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
Should I buy a GLA?
Replacing a 2012 A4 Avant that recently had some crash damage.
Used GLAs are plentiful, I can even get the light interior I want.
At $19k for a 2017 w/30k, it saves me from buying an overly expensive car for no reason. It's basically the least expensive car that suits me.
Engine and trans are solid, which is my #1 concern with used car models. I know some of them came back on lemon law, but am I missing anything?
Used GLAs are plentiful, I can even get the light interior I want.
At $19k for a 2017 w/30k, it saves me from buying an overly expensive car for no reason. It's basically the least expensive car that suits me.
Engine and trans are solid, which is my #1 concern with used car models. I know some of them came back on lemon law, but am I missing anything?
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Short answer, NO! It's by far one of the worst driving cars MB has ever built. Wind noise, and tires slipping every time you accelerate out of a turn are characteristic of the GLA. Even the CLA, which shares the same platform, is better....and that's not saying much. The CLA was the beginning of the end of MB's reputation as a luxury and quality car manufacturer. Fun fact: The Infiniti QX30 is a re-badged GLA, and at least it looks nicer. Or is the GLA a re-badged Nissan...hmmm 🤔
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I had a 2013 Audi allroad (similar to an Avant - "station wagon") and there's really not much comparison to the pre-2021 GLA "crossover."
The allroad has a longer wheelbase, supple suspension, and far more insulation making for a very smooth and quiet grand touring ride. It's also much heavier at around 2 tons. My allroad had an ~8" ground clearance so more than a vintage station wagon but less than a full SUV. My allroad was the most comfortable long distance driving vehicle I've ever owned.
The GLA is an "entry level" vehicle aimed at younger buyers to introduce them to the brand at a relatively affordable price (or retirees looking to downsize but retain the badge). Prior to the 2021 model the GLA "crossover" does have a nice lower profile planform than most in its market (think Macan vs. Q5 profiles). Post 2021 with 4" add'l headroom it's a more typical "SUV" akin to the Q3.
I actually like the pre-2021 GLA as a compact around town utility vehicle with good fuel economy. It's primarily my wife's car and we took an extensive test drive in Winter on secondary potholed roads and she thought it had good maneuverability and road imperfection comfort in the form factor we were seeking. So that was the clincher for us.
I liked the allroad a lot more than my wife did (it was my daily commuter). She did appreciate its comfort but didn't like its looks.
The allroad has a longer wheelbase, supple suspension, and far more insulation making for a very smooth and quiet grand touring ride. It's also much heavier at around 2 tons. My allroad had an ~8" ground clearance so more than a vintage station wagon but less than a full SUV. My allroad was the most comfortable long distance driving vehicle I've ever owned.
The GLA is an "entry level" vehicle aimed at younger buyers to introduce them to the brand at a relatively affordable price (or retirees looking to downsize but retain the badge). Prior to the 2021 model the GLA "crossover" does have a nice lower profile planform than most in its market (think Macan vs. Q5 profiles). Post 2021 with 4" add'l headroom it's a more typical "SUV" akin to the Q3.
I actually like the pre-2021 GLA as a compact around town utility vehicle with good fuel economy. It's primarily my wife's car and we took an extensive test drive in Winter on secondary potholed roads and she thought it had good maneuverability and road imperfection comfort in the form factor we were seeking. So that was the clincher for us.
I liked the allroad a lot more than my wife did (it was my daily commuter). She did appreciate its comfort but didn't like its looks.
Last edited by Huey52; 07-16-2020 at 07:05 AM.
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Audi Junkie (07-16-2020)
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For 19k I would be looking at the 2012+ ML/GLE V6 gasoline powered NOT DIESEL, and 2wd unless you really need awd. The 2010/2011 ML is also great but they are getting old.
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2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
GLAs are good vehicles. We had a loaner, and they definitely don't have the solid autobahn feel of our E class, but I found it fun and nimble. If you're looking for a newer luxury car at that price, it's a solid option. I don't know of any bog reliability worries.
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The new GLA is based on the A-class platform.
Another fun fact: The old GLA was such a poor seller that MB in it's typical German stubborness to discontinue production (like its cousin the Chrysler 200/ Dodge Dart) they created a subsidiary called "Cars2go" to which they originally dumped all the garbage Smart cars, then later they dumped the remaining cla's/gla's. That subsidiary has since either ceased to exist or greatly scaled back their operations. Obviously this legal dumping ground also helped Daimler artificially boost their sales numbers.
Another fun fact: The old GLA was such a poor seller that MB in it's typical German stubborness to discontinue production (like its cousin the Chrysler 200/ Dodge Dart) they created a subsidiary called "Cars2go" to which they originally dumped all the garbage Smart cars, then later they dumped the remaining cla's/gla's. That subsidiary has since either ceased to exist or greatly scaled back their operations. Obviously this legal dumping ground also helped Daimler artificially boost their sales numbers.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I got it. A 2017 w/31k for $19,995 (no excess fees) Driving home 125 miles...it was great on rough roads, exactly how it was intended. I will post more later, I have some car stuff to do!
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Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; 07-18-2020 at 11:26 PM.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
3 hrs across NJ to get home with it, I did another 6 hrs today round trip to retrieve my Audi with the wife and two big dogs in 100 deg heat. My *** is a little sore, as MB seats are on the stiff side.
I have no complaints about the suspension "compromise", as I said it works great on rough roads, and on high speed sweeps. It felt a little darty at first, maybe because of the tires, but I sorted it out just fine. Steering is vague and as reviewers said, it doesn't like changing directions sharply. Well, my wife has a new Golf SW and it drives like a go kart. The GLA is a cruiser. Make good time cross-country... the name of the game. I don't believe dry performance driving at high speed is where it's at for street driving on busy rough roads. So, the GLA is optimised for DD use. I don't expect AMG GT type experience.
Anyway, does anyone know of a piggyback tune for 2.0T? I use a Neuspeed and a Burger Motorsports on our VAG cars and it's great compared to getting flashed.
Also, I'm running as much E85 as I can to clean out the fuel system and engine internals. Tuners know how awesome E85 is, but the general car culture misunderstands it, mostly due to oil company propaganda from a few years ago. So, with a proper tune, E85 is good for +100hp and +100 ft-lbs. I just want an MB tune, and know nothing about it.
I have no complaints about the suspension "compromise", as I said it works great on rough roads, and on high speed sweeps. It felt a little darty at first, maybe because of the tires, but I sorted it out just fine. Steering is vague and as reviewers said, it doesn't like changing directions sharply. Well, my wife has a new Golf SW and it drives like a go kart. The GLA is a cruiser. Make good time cross-country... the name of the game. I don't believe dry performance driving at high speed is where it's at for street driving on busy rough roads. So, the GLA is optimised for DD use. I don't expect AMG GT type experience.
Anyway, does anyone know of a piggyback tune for 2.0T? I use a Neuspeed and a Burger Motorsports on our VAG cars and it's great compared to getting flashed.
Also, I'm running as much E85 as I can to clean out the fuel system and engine internals. Tuners know how awesome E85 is, but the general car culture misunderstands it, mostly due to oil company propaganda from a few years ago. So, with a proper tune, E85 is good for +100hp and +100 ft-lbs. I just want an MB tune, and know nothing about it.
Last edited by Audi Junkie; 07-18-2020 at 11:51 PM.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I just ordered the Dinan tuner. I see the Burger makes a JB4 unit, but it's expensive. I'm sick of spending money on tunes, then selling the car soon after.
https://www.urotuning.com/products/dinantronics-sport-performance-tuner-for-mercedes-benz-2-0t-d440-0034
Going to get an AT service, I didn't know it had a DCT trans.
Maybe a Vibrant resonator too.
https://www.urotuning.com/products/dinantronics-sport-performance-tuner-for-mercedes-benz-2-0t-d440-0034
Going to get an AT service, I didn't know it had a DCT trans.
Maybe a Vibrant resonator too.
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I believe the transmission service is due at 40k miles. If you'd like to PM me your VIN and email I can give you the service history and option codes for your car and the maintenance sheet.
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That would be cool. Thanks.
Reading the manual, DCT service is 30k, I have 31k at purchase. So I wonder....maybe the service was done already? The records will help a lot. Oil change w/a Baldwin filter as just done (as per sticker). I assume it's a Mobil 1 0w-40 service, but who knows? Again, the records will help a lot.
I found the owners info. She's a 68 year old brain surgeon from Paramus who ran for congress and lost a week ago! A crappy $.5MM home w/$8k taxes, yikes. I doubt she drove hard, an Italian Tune-up is in order.
That's it for now. I'll grab the vin later, thanks everyone.
Reading the manual, DCT service is 30k, I have 31k at purchase. So I wonder....maybe the service was done already? The records will help a lot. Oil change w/a Baldwin filter as just done (as per sticker). I assume it's a Mobil 1 0w-40 service, but who knows? Again, the records will help a lot.
I found the owners info. She's a 68 year old brain surgeon from Paramus who ran for congress and lost a week ago! A crappy $.5MM home w/$8k taxes, yikes. I doubt she drove hard, an Italian Tune-up is in order.
That's it for now. I'll grab the vin later, thanks everyone.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I think we might flip my Avant to mother in law. She already drives my departed mom's Jetta Sportswagen.
Last edited by Audi Junkie; 07-19-2020 at 01:39 PM.
#20
The new GLA is based on the A-class platform.
Another fun fact: The old GLA was such a poor seller that MB in it's typical German stubborness to discontinue production (like its cousin the Chrysler 200/ Dodge Dart) they created a subsidiary called "Cars2go" to which they originally dumped all the garbage Smart cars, then later they dumped the remaining cla's/gla's. That subsidiary has since either ceased to exist or greatly scaled back their operations. Obviously this legal dumping ground also helped Daimler artificially boost their sales numbers.
Another fun fact: The old GLA was such a poor seller that MB in it's typical German stubborness to discontinue production (like its cousin the Chrysler 200/ Dodge Dart) they created a subsidiary called "Cars2go" to which they originally dumped all the garbage Smart cars, then later they dumped the remaining cla's/gla's. That subsidiary has since either ceased to exist or greatly scaled back their operations. Obviously this legal dumping ground also helped Daimler artificially boost their sales numbers.
Used CLA's you could lease for two years for about $3000 a year.
Brand new GLAs were going for $34000 CAD which is about 25000 USD; sold as a CPO with a five year warranty; they all had less than 50km on the cars.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I'm not sure what's up with MiL, but the Avant is getting flipped after a fender for $12k w/46k
Things are progressing nicely with the car. I did an intake cleaning with CRC GDI cleaner. Under a 1/4 can since my wife was overrevving it I quit while I was ahead. No CEL. New Purolator AF for $23 on AMAZON is actually made in Germany, identical to the outgoing MB down to the pink gasket.
I'm deciding on some tire stuff, I may do a seperate post on it. I have some nice 17s from my Metris with new 225/55-17 Nexen Winguard Sport 2 leftover from Avant. SHould I replace them with big balooney tires like I want??? Calc says -1.9% smaller than OE, load is 103 iirc. Seem like they would work....already mounted and everything. I really want 235/60-17. 225/60 might be a hit at +1.4% over stock.
While I'm here....
Things are progressing nicely with the car. I did an intake cleaning with CRC GDI cleaner. Under a 1/4 can since my wife was overrevving it I quit while I was ahead. No CEL. New Purolator AF for $23 on AMAZON is actually made in Germany, identical to the outgoing MB down to the pink gasket.
I'm deciding on some tire stuff, I may do a seperate post on it. I have some nice 17s from my Metris with new 225/55-17 Nexen Winguard Sport 2 leftover from Avant. SHould I replace them with big balooney tires like I want??? Calc says -1.9% smaller than OE, load is 103 iirc. Seem like they would work....already mounted and everything. I really want 235/60-17. 225/60 might be a hit at +1.4% over stock.
While I'm here....
Last edited by Audi Junkie; 07-22-2020 at 03:04 AM.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I also ordered my DINAN "chip", a win at $150 EBay.
Also ordered my Vibrant resonator. Best $50 you can spend.
Also ordered my Vibrant resonator. Best $50 you can spend.
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The W123 is one of the most indestructible cars MB ever built. MB doesn't make them like this any more. I do love the color of your GLA. Very close to the color of my W201 that I'll never part with. I actually do like the GLA. It looks pretty practical.
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