The A-Class is Mercedes' premium compact car. On the used market you will mostly find two generations: the W176 (2012-2018), a low, sporty-looking five-door, and the W177 (since 2018), roomier, with the MBUX infotainment system and also offered as a saloon. It suits a solo driver or a couple who mostly drive in town and on the motorway and want a quality cabin in a small car.
The A 180 and A 200 petrol engines cover most needs. The A 180 d and A 200 d diesels make sense if you drive a lot. The W177 also comes as a plug-in hybrid, the A 250 e. Many cars have the dual-clutch automatic gearbox: on the test drive, check that it shifts smoothly, both cold and warm.
What to check before buying
- A Car-Pass less than two months old, verified with its QR code: mileage history and Euro standard.
- On a diesel, the Euro 6 standard: a Euro 5 diesel can no longer enter the Brussels LEZ.
- On an A 250 e, the battery health when the Car-Pass shows it, and the charging cable.
- The service book and invoices, especially for the automatic gearbox.
In the W176, rear space and boot are tight: bring what you usually carry and try it.