makenaiboy
Das Erste Gear
Hi all,
It's been a while since I last posted it but I've been happily enjoying my 2015 A250 for the last 4 years.
Like most things, us human beings want a change and it's getting about that time!
My car has also clocked up a few km's and is now of course out of warranty. I'm up for a service, rego, a couple of out of warranty things ($1000), break pads and whatever else Benz says needs doing on my upcoming service..... I keep ignoring that popup!
I've driven a few AMG's over the years and have always wanted one but they've just been a bit out of reach. I have been eyeing of the A35 but looking at the new A250 fully loaded at around $69,000 (Australian Dollars) I think it's just going to be a bit out of reach. Obviously, the A35 pricing isn't confirmed but I've heard it will start in the $70,000's (dealer said it has to otherwise no-one would buy the A250) and as you can imagine it will quickly go up from there with the options. Have also heard the new A45 will be close to 100k
Based on this I had a drive of the A250 4Matic and thought and liked it but for some reason it doesn't pull me in. I think it's likely that there is no sound on the upshift from the exhaust and the engine is a bit "revvy" and noisy through the cabin... (Sure the A45 is loud but it's a good loud!). Putting the A250 in sport mode it drives well but like the outgoing A250, holds the revs too long. With 177 A250, the engine doesn't give me any real feedback except that I feel I should be nice to it and not push it too hard. I by no means have a heavy foot but it I like to have a car not feel too "delicate" and worry that long term the engine could bother me or not last the distance. I do about 20,000km a year and keep the cars for about 4 years. From my experience buying cars too, the first year models always have niggling issues that get later fixed so this is a bit of a worry.
On the positive side, the new A250 has lots of great tech and I can spec it up with all of the options, adaptive suspension, seat comfort, vision, safety pack, exclusive pack (don't have it all in front of me) for a figure I'm much more comfortable with. I'd also qualify for 3 years free services and a bit of a discount through the corporate program.
Then there's the A45. I drove one recently...... Wow. Over mine which is the pre-facelift model I'd obviously get all of the A45 goodness, performance, bucket seat etc, I'd also get 4Matic, dynamic modes the command, apply car play, electric seats, climate control etc. so a bit of an upgrade for the same $$ as the W177 A250 with very low km and a couple of years warranty... but as we all know it's dated a bit now.
In my heart, I'm thinking 2017-18 A45 but worry I would do myself a disservice to not wait for the A35 and and least see what is there for the $$. I also worry that the A45 will take a big hit and dive further once it comes out.... this could mean I pick up a bargain (assuming everyone else hasn't grabbed the last of the newer models) or I lose a big chunk of the car value overnight.....
It was funny when I drove both cars at the dealership
The used car salesman selling me the A45 says,
"The AMG models hold their value for a long time even if a new model comes out. I'd be more worried about the new cars as they drop in value the moment you drive them away from the dealer" He also said the new A-Classes are a cheaper build which was surprising!!
The new car salesman says
"I wouldn't buy the A45, in 3 years time, that car will be 5 years old"
In summary, I guess I can't make money on cars either way (joking)
Ultimately, I have the option of A250, A45 or just doing nothing! Let me know your thoughts please
It's been a while since I last posted it but I've been happily enjoying my 2015 A250 for the last 4 years.
Like most things, us human beings want a change and it's getting about that time!
I've driven a few AMG's over the years and have always wanted one but they've just been a bit out of reach. I have been eyeing of the A35 but looking at the new A250 fully loaded at around $69,000 (Australian Dollars) I think it's just going to be a bit out of reach. Obviously, the A35 pricing isn't confirmed but I've heard it will start in the $70,000's (dealer said it has to otherwise no-one would buy the A250) and as you can imagine it will quickly go up from there with the options. Have also heard the new A45 will be close to 100k
Based on this I had a drive of the A250 4Matic and thought and liked it but for some reason it doesn't pull me in. I think it's likely that there is no sound on the upshift from the exhaust and the engine is a bit "revvy" and noisy through the cabin... (Sure the A45 is loud but it's a good loud!). Putting the A250 in sport mode it drives well but like the outgoing A250, holds the revs too long. With 177 A250, the engine doesn't give me any real feedback except that I feel I should be nice to it and not push it too hard. I by no means have a heavy foot but it I like to have a car not feel too "delicate" and worry that long term the engine could bother me or not last the distance. I do about 20,000km a year and keep the cars for about 4 years. From my experience buying cars too, the first year models always have niggling issues that get later fixed so this is a bit of a worry.
On the positive side, the new A250 has lots of great tech and I can spec it up with all of the options, adaptive suspension, seat comfort, vision, safety pack, exclusive pack (don't have it all in front of me) for a figure I'm much more comfortable with. I'd also qualify for 3 years free services and a bit of a discount through the corporate program.
Then there's the A45. I drove one recently...... Wow. Over mine which is the pre-facelift model I'd obviously get all of the A45 goodness, performance, bucket seat etc, I'd also get 4Matic, dynamic modes the command, apply car play, electric seats, climate control etc. so a bit of an upgrade for the same $$ as the W177 A250 with very low km and a couple of years warranty... but as we all know it's dated a bit now.
In my heart, I'm thinking 2017-18 A45 but worry I would do myself a disservice to not wait for the A35 and and least see what is there for the $$. I also worry that the A45 will take a big hit and dive further once it comes out.... this could mean I pick up a bargain (assuming everyone else hasn't grabbed the last of the newer models) or I lose a big chunk of the car value overnight.....
It was funny when I drove both cars at the dealership
The used car salesman selling me the A45 says,
"The AMG models hold their value for a long time even if a new model comes out. I'd be more worried about the new cars as they drop in value the moment you drive them away from the dealer" He also said the new A-Classes are a cheaper build which was surprising!!
The new car salesman says
"I wouldn't buy the A45, in 3 years time, that car will be 5 years old"
In summary, I guess I can't make money on cars either way (joking)
Ultimately, I have the option of A250, A45 or just doing nothing! Let me know your thoughts please