B Class yay or nay?
Discussion
I'm considering a new car for the wife, she has done 7000 in two years in her Beetle so she will not need a mile muncher. We have a 2 year old son and we plan on having another baby next year with this in mind I would like a bigger car for her. Last year I took my CLK in for a service and was loaned a B Class for a day and I thought it was a good town car, I'm going to buy used and I'm thinking of a B Class auto with the sport pack, I've looked at a couple on the tintanet with varying prices but I'm going spend about 12k, what do you lot think of the B Class?
got a b180cdi with sport pack auto for the missus had it over a year and has been fantastic from day one the wife loves it and i enjoy driving it to. would recemend one to anyone. hope that helps
a 57 reg just went through at auction for 12k for a 180cdi auto sport which is good value i think.
a 57 reg just went through at auction for 12k for a 180cdi auto sport which is good value i think.
Surely the question is B-Class, why?
My mum was recently looking for a new car and we went and looked at the B-Class but couldn't see the point of it. it's tall like an mpv, but you climb into it like a 4x4 and when you sit down you find you have no more headroom than in a normal car! Didn't make any sense to me at all!
To those who have bought a B-Class, what convinced you to buy it? I feel like I'm missing something!
My mum was recently looking for a new car and we went and looked at the B-Class but couldn't see the point of it. it's tall like an mpv, but you climb into it like a 4x4 and when you sit down you find you have no more headroom than in a normal car! Didn't make any sense to me at all!
To those who have bought a B-Class, what convinced you to buy it? I feel like I'm missing something!
I think the point of them is that they are practical, my wife uses the car as a load lugger, her Beetle is trashed on the inside it looks like the inside of a wheelie bin she is more concerned about the practical side than performance etc.. she loves the Beetle (she thinks it cute!!!) but she agrees she needs something with four doors, she would like an auto, she would like something easy to load the bambino(s) in and out of, we also have two labradors with this in mind it could double up as a dog transporter too. I sugested giving her my E60 5 series sport but she thinks it is to difficult to park in asda, she had a Touareg before the Beetle whilst I really liked it she hated it so I'm thinking the B class will offer the right mix.
The more I think about it, the better the idea seems!
The more I think about it, the better the idea seems!
egomeister said:
Surely the question is B-Class, why?
My mum was recently looking for a new car and we went and looked at the B-Class but couldn't see the point of it. it's tall like an mpv, but you climb into it like a 4x4 and when you sit down you find you have no more headroom than in a normal car! Didn't make any sense to me at all!
To those who have bought a B-Class, what convinced you to buy it? I feel like I'm missing something!
The car had height adjustable seats, so i reckon the one you tried must have been cranked right up, i'm 6'0 and the ones i've tried have had plenty of headroom.My mum was recently looking for a new car and we went and looked at the B-Class but couldn't see the point of it. it's tall like an mpv, but you climb into it like a 4x4 and when you sit down you find you have no more headroom than in a normal car! Didn't make any sense to me at all!
To those who have bought a B-Class, what convinced you to buy it? I feel like I'm missing something!
We've been looking at them too. I quite like it 'cos its reasonably spacious inside without being huge outside, there are plenty of diesel autos about, but i think more importantly to us at the mo, it doesn't come with an interior that suggests that you have just given up on life.
Praps its me; we don't change cars very often so i haven't shopped for an everyday car for 9 years, but i'm shocked at how bad so many cars are inside, the quality of materials seems diabolical to me, and i've climbed into a few different makes of cars over the past few weekends, and i just find them awful. The Focus - I *know* the Focus would be ideal for us, but my god, i simply cannot spend time looking at that dashboard. I climb into a Focus and the very first thing i want to do is get straight back out again.
Golfs - they're great, but when buying used/nearly new, because it seems that absolutely everything is an option, i can't find a car with the spec i want. To have a front arm rest as an option is just ridiculous, and the only ones i've seen with steering wheel stereo etc controls is the 105bhp models. Then there is the Golf Plus, but that has the same options issues. I quite like the jetta too 'cos they seem to come fairly fully loaded, but i think we want the raised height of the B class now that we've tried it. However, the depreciation on jettas make them very tempting. We'll probably be keeping the car for 10 years so depreciation isn't much of an issue for us.
I guess what i'm looking for is something with some space that's not huge, that has the raised driving position but isn't a baby wagon nor a tonka toy and can do nigh on 50mpg without me needing to change gear for myself.
The Merc B class is stupid money new but thanks to depreciation it seems to cost about the same as its rivals once its left the showrooms.
I'd definitely agree there are a lot of lacklustre options in this segment! I think I looked at most of the options with my mum!
1 series - Expensive, but I really liked it unlike my mum who couldn't get on with the doors extending so high up. I thought it was cosy, she thought it was claustrophobic!
Civic - We both liked it, although I feel the amount of plastic will show the cars age over time, getting scratched etc. Mum liked the drive, but couldn't cope with the split rear screen.
A3 - Base models not cheap and very basic! Would need to be specced up to get a nice one. Nice enough inside if a bit boring. Armrest extra, and when you have one it impedes the handbrake!
Golf - See A3. Looks better in a base trim level and a bit cheaper.
Seat Leon - Nice on the outside, crap on the inside - how much cheap plastic!?
Mazda 3 - Not bad actually, not the most stylish car but nicely laid out inside and solid.
Grande Punto - Cheap as chips and felt it, but I liked it!
Astra - dull
B-Class - yep there is headroom if you put the seats down, but I'd expect more for such a tall car. Just seemed to us to have all the height without the benefits - there seemed to be more space in the new Jazz. I was also amazed it had an 8v engine! Interior was nicely finished though - as you'd expect for the cost!
And what my mum went for in the end:
Volvo C30 - Looks great with the r-design kit. decent price for a decent spec - interior was the best in my opinion, great blend of function and style. Obviously not as practical if you have a family but there is always the S40 and V50!
1 series - Expensive, but I really liked it unlike my mum who couldn't get on with the doors extending so high up. I thought it was cosy, she thought it was claustrophobic!
Civic - We both liked it, although I feel the amount of plastic will show the cars age over time, getting scratched etc. Mum liked the drive, but couldn't cope with the split rear screen.
A3 - Base models not cheap and very basic! Would need to be specced up to get a nice one. Nice enough inside if a bit boring. Armrest extra, and when you have one it impedes the handbrake!
Golf - See A3. Looks better in a base trim level and a bit cheaper.
Seat Leon - Nice on the outside, crap on the inside - how much cheap plastic!?
Mazda 3 - Not bad actually, not the most stylish car but nicely laid out inside and solid.
Grande Punto - Cheap as chips and felt it, but I liked it!
Astra - dull
B-Class - yep there is headroom if you put the seats down, but I'd expect more for such a tall car. Just seemed to us to have all the height without the benefits - there seemed to be more space in the new Jazz. I was also amazed it had an 8v engine! Interior was nicely finished though - as you'd expect for the cost!
And what my mum went for in the end:
Volvo C30 - Looks great with the r-design kit. decent price for a decent spec - interior was the best in my opinion, great blend of function and style. Obviously not as practical if you have a family but there is always the S40 and V50!
We probably should have bought the B class that our local car supermarket had - 57 plate, 7k miles, one owner and a few options inc full leather. 50% of that would see us in a leggy mundane spec Focus. Not interested.
My thoughts:
1 Series - too small in the back, poor interior quality imo.
Civic - no derv autos, no rear wiper, poor rear vision, but love the styling if im honest.
A3 - Posh Golf, not interested.
Seat Altea - naff styling and interior.
oops - got to go.
Mazda 3 - good alternative but dont think they do dag-dag autos.
Golfs - great, but hard to buy used if you're fussy
Don't want a Fiat or Astra, agreed with Volvos but i need a four-door derv auto.
I need to check out C-Maxes though, even though i haven't found an auto.
I like the airy interior of the B class, the waist line is really low resulting in large glass area. No underbonnet sound proofing though. Wifey sees it as a nice looking ladies car. Car is just the right size for us. Saloons and hatchbacks feel a bit claustrophobic now in comparison.
My thoughts:
1 Series - too small in the back, poor interior quality imo.
Civic - no derv autos, no rear wiper, poor rear vision, but love the styling if im honest.
A3 - Posh Golf, not interested.
Seat Altea - naff styling and interior.
oops - got to go.
Mazda 3 - good alternative but dont think they do dag-dag autos.
Golfs - great, but hard to buy used if you're fussy
Don't want a Fiat or Astra, agreed with Volvos but i need a four-door derv auto.
I need to check out C-Maxes though, even though i haven't found an auto.
I like the airy interior of the B class, the waist line is really low resulting in large glass area. No underbonnet sound proofing though. Wifey sees it as a nice looking ladies car. Car is just the right size for us. Saloons and hatchbacks feel a bit claustrophobic now in comparison.
Edited by heebeegeetee on Saturday 21st February 11:02
I`ve just bought a 2008 08 plate 180cdi se with sport pack in black with the 6 speed manual . Lists at £24k with all the extras and I`ve paid £14k from a main dealer .
We`ve got two small boys under 5 and my wife was looking to trade down in size from her Sorento 4x4. As we`ve a couple of Mercs already , it was high on the possibilities list and , having checked all the competition , it seemed the obvious choice . It`s doing great mpg and was v.comfy on a long motorway trip . The car has lost the bulk of it`s depreciation and should prove cost effective over the next two to three years .
Having done the research (and a test drive) I`d not recommend the cvt auto , which is a bit sluggish and more likley to be problematic in th elong term (look at the earlier A-class) .
As long as the seat of the pants driving experience isnt high on the list of priorities and you don`t buy new at list price , I can`t fault it .
We`ve got two small boys under 5 and my wife was looking to trade down in size from her Sorento 4x4. As we`ve a couple of Mercs already , it was high on the possibilities list and , having checked all the competition , it seemed the obvious choice . It`s doing great mpg and was v.comfy on a long motorway trip . The car has lost the bulk of it`s depreciation and should prove cost effective over the next two to three years .
Having done the research (and a test drive) I`d not recommend the cvt auto , which is a bit sluggish and more likley to be problematic in th elong term (look at the earlier A-class) .
As long as the seat of the pants driving experience isnt high on the list of priorities and you don`t buy new at list price , I can`t fault it .
Number 5 said:
eldar said:
Generally, its a pretty disappointing car. Expensive, heavy depreciation and dynamically poor. It really doesn't do anything well.
There are far better equivalents for less than 50% of a B class.
The only reason to but one is the badge
Such as?There are far better equivalents for less than 50% of a B class.
The only reason to but one is the badge
Dull but adequate cars both, but no worse than the B
eldar said:
Number 5 said:
eldar said:
Generally, its a pretty disappointing car. Expensive, heavy depreciation and dynamically poor. It really doesn't do anything well.
There are far better equivalents for less than 50% of a B class.
The only reason to but one is the badge
Such as?There are far better equivalents for less than 50% of a B class.
The only reason to but one is the badge
Dull but adequate cars both, but no worse than the B
heebeegeetee said:
eldar said:
Number 5 said:
eldar said:
Generally, its a pretty disappointing car. Expensive, heavy depreciation and dynamically poor. It really doesn't do anything well.
There are far better equivalents for less than 50% of a B class.
The only reason to but one is the badge
Such as?There are far better equivalents for less than 50% of a B class.
The only reason to but one is the badge
Dull but adequate cars both, but no worse than the B
According to autotrader.....
08, >5k miles B class, 12750
08 >5k miles Meriva 6900
08 >5k miles Zafira 7995
After 3 years running I suspect a Meriva will have been 50% of the B class costs, and a Zafira 60% or there abouts.
eldar said:
The Zafira is pretty dire, agreed, Meriva is better, B class slightly (not much) nicer.
According to autotrader.....
08, >5k miles B class, 12750
08 >5k miles Meriva 6900
08 >5k miles Zafira 7995
After 3 years running I suspect a Meriva will have been 50% of the B class costs, and a Zafira 60% or there abouts.
The meriva isn't available as a diesel auto (not according to autotrader anyway) so i simply don't want one, so while it may be cheap, if i don't want one that makes it dear in my book.According to autotrader.....
08, >5k miles B class, 12750
08 >5k miles Meriva 6900
08 >5k miles Zafira 7995
After 3 years running I suspect a Meriva will have been 50% of the B class costs, and a Zafira 60% or there abouts.
The Zafira might be worth a look at, but the S-Max is said to be miles better, but whenever i've looked at one it's just much bigger than what we want. The C-Max is also very highly regarded, but i haven't seen one with a derv auto yet. They might be available new though, i'll have to check.
Looking at Zafira derv auto prices http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VAUX...
they're not coming out at what you say. I reckon they've suffered similar depreciation to the B class, so i think there won't be much difference in running costs. Certainly nowhere near to tempt me. They're just too big anyway, i'm pretty sure wifey won't be interested.
I'm well aware that the B Class is really a posh Picasso, but if you're going to sit in a car for the next 10 years i feel we might as well go for something that we're actually happy to sit in. Plus, i've seen how Picasso owners drive, normally everywhere with their front fog lights on. I don't want to be one of them.
The C-Max is the only alternative as far as i'm concerned. It's the only car out there that might actually be better by any worthwhile degree. But then i'm back to Ford plastics... I just cannot abide silver plastics, i cannot see silver plastic without thinking, 'mmm, Amstrad'.
Still, i'll see if there's any heavily discounted new dag-dag autos available.
Bit late to the thread here, but thought I would add my opinons.
The B is a good car with a lot of space inside, its easily bigger than an E-Class and some say its as big as an S-Class inside. It has a good driving position, good legroom and a big boot. Handling and Ride quality are where it falls down, and the sports suspension dosent help. Its difficult to place it in a specific class, but I guess it is probably aimed at the 5-seater variants of the mid-size MPVs e.g. Sceinic etc.
I don't think its worth the extra over the A-Class, which against its main rivals (1-series, a3 and golf) is quite a lot bigger inside. Both A and B are very tardis like as they look smaller on the outside than they are on the inside. This is due to the sandwhich plaform etc. The B is good if you need massive legroom and boot-space, but its not a whole lot different to the A, which it shares the interior, platform and engines with.
If anyone is interested I have a magazine scan which compares the A-Class to the VW Golf Plus and Seat Altea, and the Merc came out top.
EDIT: Other thing worth mentioning is the interior quality and attention to detail in both the A and B is oustanding. They are by far the best built and most luxury-feeling cars below £20k (new) today. Feel just like a shrunken version of there bigger brothers.
The B is a good car with a lot of space inside, its easily bigger than an E-Class and some say its as big as an S-Class inside. It has a good driving position, good legroom and a big boot. Handling and Ride quality are where it falls down, and the sports suspension dosent help. Its difficult to place it in a specific class, but I guess it is probably aimed at the 5-seater variants of the mid-size MPVs e.g. Sceinic etc.
I don't think its worth the extra over the A-Class, which against its main rivals (1-series, a3 and golf) is quite a lot bigger inside. Both A and B are very tardis like as they look smaller on the outside than they are on the inside. This is due to the sandwhich plaform etc. The B is good if you need massive legroom and boot-space, but its not a whole lot different to the A, which it shares the interior, platform and engines with.
If anyone is interested I have a magazine scan which compares the A-Class to the VW Golf Plus and Seat Altea, and the Merc came out top.
EDIT: Other thing worth mentioning is the interior quality and attention to detail in both the A and B is oustanding. They are by far the best built and most luxury-feeling cars below £20k (new) today. Feel just like a shrunken version of there bigger brothers.
Edited by va1o on Thursday 9th April 21:04
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