Mercedes-Benz A Class A180 CDI.
What to Check Before Buying.
The Mercedes-Benz A Class A180 CDI suits budget-conscious buyers seeking premium badge appeal with excellent fuel economy, typically achieving 65-70 mpg in real-world driving. This 1.5-litre diesel variant appeals particularly to higher-mileage commuters and small families who want Mercedes quality without the running costs of larger engines. The A180 CDI offers decent performance with 109 bhp, though acceleration can feel leisurely when fully loaded or on motorway slip roads. When inspecting used examples, pay particular attention to the dual-mass flywheel, which can fail between 80,000-100,000 miles and costs around £800-1,200 to replace. Check for excessive smoke on cold starts, indicating injector or EGR valve issues common in higher-mileage models. Service history is critical, as these engines require regular oil changes using the correct low-SAPS specification oil to prevent DPF problems. Inspect the interior trim quality, as earlier models suffered from cheaper plastics that wear poorly. Finally, ensure the infotainment system functions correctly, as repairs can be expensive. A pre-purchase inspection through Folt can identify these potential issues before you commit to buying.
The average used car has 3+ known model faults the seller won't mention.