Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class (4th generation): Common defects, reliability and price in bazaars

The latest generation of the smallest Mercedes is mainly interesting with its top-notch infotainment MBUX with artificial intelligence, which it brought ahead of larger models. The rest, despite a number of changes, remains in the tracks of its predecessor: rather a narrow-profile stylish car than a family universal.

The fourth generation of the A-Class, sold since 2018, is the second best-selling Mercedes model worldwide – right after the C-Class. The information that there will be no more “A” in the future has not driven anyone to the streets here. For the domestic middle class, premium compacts are still too expensive a toy, and a typical Czech Mercedes owner still needs something bigger and more impressive in front of his house. These preferences are also reflected in domestic bazaars, where few would think of giving a small Mercedes priority over, for example, a Golf.

More like a sportsman in spirit

The transition to the new MFA2 platform, on which the current models of the B, GLA, GLB and CLA classes are also based, helped the spaciousness a little. Nevertheless, the A is about as far from the role of a family car as Iggy Pop is from the role of an ideal groom.

It’s still tight in the back, and the sporty low seating in both rows clearly speaks of a young, flexible body. The view from the car is objectively bad due to the low windows and wide roof pillars. In very few cars of this class, you have to lean as far forward as you do in the A to see the traffic lights at all. You’ll also swear in underground parking garages. Even the basic versions have a very low chassis clearance (only 10 cm when loaded), which, in combination with the long front overhang, means that the nose will grind on the ground anywhere outside of ideal conditions.