B-Class opinions please
Discussion
Currently looking at replacing my wifes car and the B-Class has me interested. She only does about 3k miles per year so I've been thinking about the B170 petrol as I don't think the diesel is worth the extra premium when she hardly does any mileage.
In terms of budget I've looked at a few 3 year old cars (around the £10 - £12k mark) and they seem fine and quite well equipped. We need 4 doors and space for a pram. I was impressed with the 1 year warranty/package offered by the Mercedes dealer and reckon this is just a wee bit different to a Golf Plus / A3
I'm interested to hear good or bad about the B Class please especially if anyone thinks I should avoid at all costs!
Thanks.
In terms of budget I've looked at a few 3 year old cars (around the £10 - £12k mark) and they seem fine and quite well equipped. We need 4 doors and space for a pram. I was impressed with the 1 year warranty/package offered by the Mercedes dealer and reckon this is just a wee bit different to a Golf Plus / A3
I'm interested to hear good or bad about the B Class please especially if anyone thinks I should avoid at all costs!
Thanks.
There are probably better cars in the class out there, but they all almost exclusively have interiors that make you want to cut your wrists when you sit in them, imo. 
Just why do *so* many manufacturers think grey is an acceptable colour to use in the interior of a car? And just where *do* they get some of those plastics from?
Just why do *so* many manufacturers think grey is an acceptable colour to use in the interior of a car? And just where *do* they get some of those plastics from?
I ran one for a week or so when my car was off the road for maintenance. At first I hated it, but it really grew on me.
They do not fit the conventional mould (this is a good thing). They are utterly unaggressive and unsporty, unlike pretty much every other new car. Once I had got into a relaxed driving style, I really started to like it. I found it comfortable and easy to drive, relatively economical, extraordinarily practical (they are massive inside relative to the exterior dimensions) and well built. I also liked the dashboard ergonomics. I think the looks are a bit of an acquired taste.
I think they really put practicality above driving pleasure. I suspect they are much "better to own" than they are to drive. But my bottom line is this: seemingly everyone thinks they are rubbish, so they must be very good indeed.
They do not fit the conventional mould (this is a good thing). They are utterly unaggressive and unsporty, unlike pretty much every other new car. Once I had got into a relaxed driving style, I really started to like it. I found it comfortable and easy to drive, relatively economical, extraordinarily practical (they are massive inside relative to the exterior dimensions) and well built. I also liked the dashboard ergonomics. I think the looks are a bit of an acquired taste.
I think they really put practicality above driving pleasure. I suspect they are much "better to own" than they are to drive. But my bottom line is this: seemingly everyone thinks they are rubbish, so they must be very good indeed.
We have an 07MY A-Class which I believe is just a shorter version of the B-Class. Have been very pleased with it, very reliable car with a hugely roomy and versatile interior. The build quality is top notch and just like a scaled down version of its bigger brothers. Only bad words to say about it would be the slightly firm ride and light steering, and the expensive Mercedes dealers. Having said that though, the service from the dealer is A1 every time. Bit of discussion recently you might find helpful - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I wouldnt reccomend the Golf Plus, had a quite a bit of experience with those, you seem to lose more than you gain. Although they are a little more practical, they don't look very nice, seem to be less well built inside, less powerful and less econimcal than the equivelent Golf. That really reflects in the residuals, as although more expensive new they are considererablly cheaper than a equivelent Golf used. Very unpopular cars, and rightfully so.
HTH, happy to answer any questions on either car.
I wouldnt reccomend the Golf Plus, had a quite a bit of experience with those, you seem to lose more than you gain. Although they are a little more practical, they don't look very nice, seem to be less well built inside, less powerful and less econimcal than the equivelent Golf. That really reflects in the residuals, as although more expensive new they are considererablly cheaper than a equivelent Golf used. Very unpopular cars, and rightfully so.
HTH, happy to answer any questions on either car.
Edited by va1o on Sunday 1st November 20:06
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