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What is maintenance like on these cars after the initial warranty stage? I know maintenance cost is somewhat reasonable for these cars during the first 3-4 years because the intervals are big, anywhere from 12 to 20,000kms for each service. My concern is what's it like when the car is older? After owning mostly Japanese cars and most recently a Kia and Ford I want to get a German car.

Thanks.

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oil at 5000km is for cars older than 1995 or so running non-synthetic. it's true that the dealership's 24000km oil changes are crap. i changed mine at every 12000km.

if you don't want any issues, spend the money on maintenance and you won't be dropping $2000 at once that you could have spend $200 before hand. Buying a higher end model means more money and you better maintain it regularly. if you replace parts with cheap parts or have someone work on your car that is a friend of a friend that will get you a good deal, you're going to have issues.

when the car is 10 plus years old its not that bad. like said above, you'll be looking at wheel bearings, bushings, belts, fuel filter.

i've owned a 1990 325is, 2004 M3, and a 2014 VW Golf TDI. Parents have a 2006 328i sedan and a 2007 X3.


and that jd power should be taken with a grain of salt. as should the mass amount of people with complaints. people complain louder than the ones that say they are happy. regardless of the car, you'll have an issue at least once or twice.

lol. I was looking at a 4DR GTI but it starts at 33k or the 4Motion comfort line Tijuan at 35k. Thats already in the price range of 3 series, CLA, and A3 range.

You'll have WAY more fun in a GTI than a base 320i.

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Hunter Obee
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designer does not equal engineering or quality. he designed only the early 2000 audi's. TT a4 and a6 i believe.



this is very true. the base bmw's are very numb feeling.

I really like the look of the Merc CLA and has the option of AWD. The engine is similar to the GTI, 2.0 turbo. Not really interested in the Bimmer but threw it in there to get some numbers.

I really like our Kia. I'm planning on keeping it and replacing our other car to something either fun or with something with nicer trim and features.

Other cars that I was considering in the fun category were the Focus ST and Mini Cooper S 5dr. They also go over 30k when adding a few features hence the reason why I started looking at Merc,BMW, Audi.

I'm also somewhat interested in the Merc BClass which also has the 2.0 turbo and AWD.

I know a few people that have Mercedes and Bimmers but they've all leased them so they never really did any major maintenance.

What kind of a car owner are you? Are you the frugal, sensible, pragmatic type who don't like inconvenience? If so, don't step foot into German territory unless a few extra hundred dollars per year allotted for car maintenance is well within your means; only you know whether you can handle the additional costs or not. If you're not sure, don't get a luxo brand yet.

From your list, I'd choose the B-Class. Don't get a used Audi A4 or Q5 because the early 2.0L engines burn oil. Don't get the CLA either; getting the entry-level model opens you up to jealous people who will say you got "the poor man's Benz."

Maintenance-wise, they are only marginally more, but it's major items that will cost more such as major tune-ups, brake work, any electronics like starter/alternator replacement, incidental breakdowns, and diagnosis fees that for some cases are dealer-dependent. It's all a crapshoot. You might be lucky and have minimal issues as some of my friends do. If not lucky, more money.

German cars drive better and have more nameplate prestige than the Asian and American luxury brands, but you have to pay to play, whether it's fair or not. I say lease vs. buy used if maintenance costs concern you. That way, being seen in the latest model makes you appear more baller vs. a used model. And life is short, we need to enjoy too. Do the math and if the numbers work, happy shopping!

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What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

How about you not let other people's opinions of your car dictate what you buy? Isn't that how we ended up with all these bloated SUVs and CUVs instead of sensible, attractive and much better handling wagons they have all over Europe?

Really, the biggest problem with the CLA isn't what people with think of you, it's the super chintzy interior. MB really went cheap on it in order to get the base price down into Accord/Camry levels, and it shows. They didn't skimp on the exterior looks though. Love the outer styling of all the new MBs lately.

I'd love to find a heavily depreciated E series wagon with rear facing jump seats in the back!

If you do get a vehicle please do not go for the base model...it irks me to see all the 320i's out there with halogens. But that is just me.

But prioritize what you want, space, Hp, handling, looks, fuel economy.

Not a fan of the B class, but if it fits your budget go for it.

But don't let others decide for you cause you will never get a majority get something your happy with and proud to drive.

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Hawthorne Village North - Phase 3A
Lucan Corner Elevation "D"
Closing August 2014

I think the popularity of SUVs and CUVs here is due to the unfair minivan stereotype, the perceived security of 4x4, an ego boost, and the ballooning overweight/obesity rates in North America (hence, people require a bigger vehicle to be comfortable in).

Sinny, target a few models of interest, and then do some research online like looking at forums, getting a feel on price on autotrader, then go out to the dealers to see how they drive and look for little things like visibility, how easy to reach controls, cupholders, comfort of seats, leg room, etc. Have fun! I dream of luxury cars almost everyday, lol, and I enjoy browsing autotrader. The knock on the CLA is that their Navigation screen looks like an aftermarket stick-on piece which is not very Mercedes, but it is a nicely-styled car. The new C-Klasse is coming out and that car will be a winner with its good looks.

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What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

The CLA looks it had a stroke from behind. The front is nice but I agree with Alpha that the navigation screen and entire interior is atrocious.

No Bimmer should be out there without halogens. That's for Honda and Toyota territory. Tons of 3s in the USA without HIDs.