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Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class review: 1998-2003

The A-Class was a serious break from tradition for Mercedes-Benz, which specialised in medium to big rear-drive cars for most of its long history. This was a small car, and it was front-wheel drive. 

But it was a great one, albeit almost brought undone by a moose. A motoring magazine in Sweden had a standard test which was meant to simulate a situation in which you had to avoid a moose on the road.

The A-Class tipped on its side when the magazine put it through its paces against the mythical moose and then proclaimed it unstable in such moves.  It was an unfortunate start for what was an innovative new look at motoring.

MODEL WATCH

At launch Mercedes offered two models, the Classic entry level model and the better equipped Avantgarde. Initially power came from a 1.6-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four cylinder engine which boasted 75kW at 5250rpm and 150Nm of torque.

Buyers could choose from a five-speed auto or a quirky five-speed sequential-shift manual. The latter was an early example of a sequential shift manual that was a normal manual but allowed you to shift gears simply by moving the lever without the need to operate the clutch. At the time it was considered quite an advance, a manual gearbox that had the benefits of an auto.

The problem was that it wasn't as smooth as an auto. It drove like a manual so there was a lull in performance.  The suspension was a blend of MacPherson Struts at the front and a five-link beam with coil springs at the rear which endowed it with a comfortable ride and balanced handling.

Changes made following the magazine moose test made it more responsive to the power rack-and-pinion steering.  Brakes were a combination of disc front and drum rear, with ABS, electronic brake proportioning, and brake assist standard.  Add to that electronic stability control and there's quite an array of electronic wizardry helping to keep drivers out of trouble.

A year after launch, Mercedes added the A190 Avantgarde which was an A160 Avantgarde fitted with a 1.9-litre version of the SOHC four cylinder engine. Power jumped to 92kW at 5500rpm and torque climbed to 180Nm.  That was followed in 2000 by the A140 which was identical to the A160 Classic, except for its 60kW 1.4-litre engine.

An update in 2001 saw the styling freshened with new front-end looks and a revised specification list. The same update brought a longer version which added 170mm to the wheelbase and made the interior even roomier.

IN THE SHOP

Generally the A-Class has been reliable, with little trouble reported by mechanics and owners. It's important to make sure of a service record, one by an acknowledged Mercedes specialist or dealer. If you find a service record from another outlet, check its competence on Benz cars. Like all Mercedes-Benz cars, the A-Class is usually looked after by caring owners so you're less likely to find any problems of neglect. Take careful note of any knocks or clunks you might hear on a road test and observe the transmission for smooth operation. Be particularly careful about the sequential manual gearbox – and only consider one if you're into quirky gadgets.

CRUNCH TIME

The A-Class is a nifty handler with plenty of on-board electronics to keep it upright and on the road. Couple that with an array of frontal and side airbags and you have quite an impressive safety picture.

RATING

14/20 Comfortable and well equipped small car makes sense for family transport around town.

Pricing

Year Price From Price To
2003 $3,190 $6,710
2002 $3,190 $6,710
2001 $3,190 $7,040
2000 $3,190 $7,040
1999 $3,190 $7,040
1998 $3,190 $5,610

View all Mercedes-Benz A-Class pricing and specifications

Pricing guides

$4,400
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$3,190
Highest Price
$5,610

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
A160 Classic 1.6L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $3,300 – 5,170 1998 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1998 A160 Classic Pricing and Specs
A160 Avantgarde 1.6L, ULP, 5 SP SEQ $3,410 – 5,390 1998 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1998 A160 Avantgarde Pricing and Specs
Graham Smith
Contributing Journalist

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.