For as low as RM 119k, should you buy a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 used?
Jerrica · Jan 10, 2021 03:50 PM
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Hot hatches were made famous when Volkswagen unleashed the Golf into the world. To join in with the fun, Mercedes-Benz too released a hatchback of their own. Not only does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class promise a fun drive, especially the previous generation W176, but it also plays the role of an entry-level model into the Mercedes-Benz brand. Now that prices are pegged as low as RM 119,000 should you consider a used W176?
Common issues
To find out more about the common issues on the A-Class W176, we talked to Mr Nizam from Merz Auto Garage in Taman Melawati.
One of the most common issues on the W176 is the failing of the Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor). This usually causes the check engine symbol to light up. Replacing the O2 Sensor will cost around RM 650.
Similar to its big brother, the E-Class, the W176 is not saved from the issue with its wheel speed sensor either. In the event the sensor fails, it will affect the car's braking and stability control system. To replace the wheel speed sensor will set you back RM 300 per wheel.
Yet another common issue the W176 face is the failure of the auxiliary battery. For your information, most German cars are powered by 2 batteries. The auxiliary battery is located where the spare wheel is and used to power the various electronic systems in the car.
Like most cars, the W176 needs to be sent in for service every 10,000 km. The service cost for the A-Class is usually set around RM 400 to RM 550. But other than the engine, the dual-clutch transmission will also need to be serviced. This usually costs around RM 750 to RM 900.
Interestingly, the DCT in the A-Class is a rather reliable unit as there aren’t many complaints about the unit failing even on a car that has travelled 200,000 km. But when the time comes to replace the clutch pack it will cost around RM 4,000.
As for other service costs like the air-conditioning unit, and changing of brake pads or spark plugs, the price would cost around the same as a Japanese car.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Pre-Facelift (left) vs Facelift (right) comparison
Which model year should you pick?
As always, we recommend aiming for the facelift of each generation. The facelift usually addresses most of the common issues that the generation first encounter making it a safer bet.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior Pre-Facelift (top) vs Facelift (bottom) comparison
Based on the specification, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 facelift that was sold starting from 2016 is the value-for-money buy if the car has been well taken care of. We also recommend picking a car that has not been heavily modified to ensure you still get the reliability original parts can offer.
The W176 on the used car market
Based on the current market rate, a Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line registered in 2016 is now priced at around RM 136,000. This model is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed DCT and does 211 PS and 350 Nm.
This variant also comes with various modern safety features like AEB, Park Assist, adaptive headlamps, ambient lighting, and electrically adjustable seats.
For those who prefer a more comfortable ride, the A180 Urban Line would be a better pick. An A180 registered in 2016 is now sold on the used car market for as low as RM 119,000.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 on the used car market
Model
Price when new
Used car price
Average depreciation
A250 AMG Line (2016)
RM 238,888
~RM 136,000
~10.8%
A180 Urban Line (2016)
RM 195,888
~RM 119,000
~9.8%
Though it has a smaller 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 122 PS and 200 Nm, the car still manages the 0-100 km sprint in 8.6 seconds.
Gentle reminder that the price you see on used car websites is usually not the final price. There are often other hidden costs that you will have to pay up before you can fully own the car.
As always, we recommend purchasing from a private owner so you can get a clearer understanding of the car’s background and history.
Through a private owner, you will also eliminate the possibility of mileage tampering and will have access to the full-service record of the car.
We also recommend that you send the car to a trusted mechanic before purchasing the car to ensure that there are no prior damages from either floods or accidents.
Conclusion
Though the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 is one generation old, the hatchback still cuts a stylish presence on the road. If the car is well taken off, it will still wrap you up in a premium package like what Mercedes-Benz cars are designed to do.
Now that the model is much more affordable than it was new, the W176 is worth considering as your entry into a luxury brand.
There isn’t a time in memory that doesn’t involve staring at cars. After discovering the excitement of watching Schumacher vs Hakkinen, Formula 1 became a major part of life. The love for cars and F1 ultimately led to a job with CAR Magazine. The untimely death of the magazine meant a hiatus from cars at lifestyle women’s magazine Marie Claire before another opportunity came knocking again.
