Mercedes-Benz A150 Classic SE, Buying tips

OUR HATCHACK £5,000 CHOICE IS THE HUMBLE, yet spacious 2004 to 2012 A-Class in petrol A150 form. Practical and capacious, it offers low running costs, a good safety record and is surprisingly handy around town. Mercedes-Benz A150 Classic SE, Buying tips

2008-on facelifted W169 models are your best choice, with redesigned bumpers and lights, and stop-start option. The A150 only just survived the 2008 facelift, with production ending in late 2008 when it was replaced by the A160, but a well maintained A150 is still one of the best starter Meres.

Needless to say performance isn't at the top of the A150's priorities, so if you're planning to regularly carry heavy loads you would be better off choosing a diesel variant. But it's still capable of a respectable 108mph and perhaps most importantly can touch 50mpg on a steady run.

And as an urban favourite quite a few have covered surprisingly low mileages too, like the 42,110-mile Metallic Grey 2011 61-plater we spotted at Cornish dealers CD Cook Car Sales Ltd (www.edcooke.co.uk). It was advertised for £4,495, although we suspect that you would be able to negotiate a £500 discount and as a manual there should be no transmission worries further down the line.

This car was also offered with a handy three-month warranty and not only boasted a full service history and excellent bodywork, but also came with air conditioning, Bluetooth, start/stop and a Tyre Pressure Loss warning system.

Buying tips

Mechanical reliability appears good, but you must look out for any signs of rust. A full service record is essential and check it's never been used as a taxi.

Ensure both remote key fobs work properly, some cars have had locking problems and look out for loose windscreen washer pipes and kerbed alloys - which are very common. Also have a good look at the condition of the boot - some will have been carrying heavy loads and watch out for tailgate warning lights, misbehaving alarms and flat batteries.

Loose door seals have also been reported and any signs of water ingress into the cabin should set alarm bells ringing. Listen for tired suspension components and there shouldn't be any illuminated dashboard warning lights.

Just the facts A150 (W169) 

ENGINE 1,498cc 4-cyl 

Power 95bhp@5.200rpm 

TORQUE 1031b ft@3,500-4,000rpm 

TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual /Variomatic 0-62 MPH 13.2 seconds 

TOP SPEED 108mph FUEL 

CONSUMPTION 48.7mpg £5,000 

BUYS YOU A 2011 Mercedes-Benz A150 Classic SE with 39,000 miles

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