Mercedes-Benz A Class A140.
What to Check Before Buying.
The Mercedes-Benz A Class A140 suits budget-conscious buyers seeking German brand prestige without premium running costs. This entry-level 1.4-litre petrol variant delivers adequate performance for urban driving and offers reasonable fuel economy of around 40-45 mpg, making it ideal for city commuters and first-time Mercedes owners. The 82bhp engine feels underpowered on motorways, particularly when fully loaded, but proves reliable for town use. When inspecting a used A140, check the transmission carefully as the semi-automatic models can suffer from jerky changes and clutch actuator failures, which are expensive to repair. Examine the front suspension for worn ball joints and listen for knocking sounds over bumps. The compact dimensions meant early models (pre-2001) had stability issues, so prioritise facelifted versions with ESP fitted as standard. Check service history thoroughly, as these cars often attract buyers who skip maintenance. Inspect for rust around the tailgate and rear wheel arches. Despite being the base model, the A140 offers decent standard equipment and lower insurance groups than more powerful variants.
The average used car has 3+ known model faults the seller won't mention.