I had the 2017 Cla45 for a year and absolutely loved it. Maintenance wasn’t cheap obviously and the shocks felt like they literally had no give. Other than that he’s right, the car wants you to drive quick and have fun all the time. Loved it.
This is the first video I've watched from this channel and I'm glad it appeared as recommended. I love that there's a channel out there reviewing used cars and providing buyers with handy information on used vehicles. Used cars make up such a large amount of the market and it's so important to be aware of issues, so keep up the good work guys!
As a A45 owner, i drive it quite sedately on my daily drive. Its still so enjoyable and sounds great. Though I have to confess that its impossible to drive it sedately through tunnels 😇
@@Dankboi420 As an A45 Owner at the moment, i can confirm i drive like a maniac ! But this is not especially related to this car Hahaha, and i have ECU + TCU REMAP 412 hp
I will add that the gearbox is the worst i've ever had on my life haha, so slow, even remap it's not good, especially on the first gear, so slow and not responsive...
Had a 2014 A 45 for 5 yrs. By far the best car to hoon around. Had a turbo failure at 98000km and endless rim damage from the low profile & bad roads . All in all a firecracker 🧨 but would never but out of warranty and maintenance plan . Sold at 150 000km . Raptor occupies the garage space now .
These things really are amazingly quick, and they hang on at speed. This obviously make them an exceptional track day car right out of the box. HOWEVER the ride for day to day couldn’t be much worse if the shocks were actually welded in position. Adam was incredibly generous in his summing up of the ride. I have traveled in and driven a range of performance vehicles and this is hands down the absolute worst ride of any of them. It’s brutal on normal Australian country roads. If you buy one, enjoy the performance, but you may want to also pick up a kidney belt or two for your passengers.
The 2016 added in adaptive dampers. Did you try a model without? other comments I've found online say this helped a lot. Thinking of buying one myself... currently have a brutally harsh ride in a Megane RS Cup, this can't be worse lol
You haven’t driven a I30N then. I have the A45 now after having a couple of different I30N’s for a total of 5 years and the ride in its softest setting was broken teeth invoking! Ha ha.
I just love this ReDriven's car reviews - totally frank, no BS sugar coating, utterly relevant to the masses of used car buyers. I'm done with all other car review channels on RU-vid, this one will do. Thank you.
Lovely car. I have a late 2017 A45 with only 25k miles on the clock. Just a beautiful machine. Costly yes, but life is for living. Owned the original I30N from 2018 to 2021, then the DCT model which was pretty cool. But decided to try the A45 next and I couldn’t be happier. Yes, it’s expensive to run and even just normal maintenance items like brakes are costly, but for me, it’s well worth it. Lovely interior, as much power as you’d ever want, nice sound system, lightening quick gear changes, and it still has a good gurgle and rat a tat from the exhaust. The aero pack is a must in my opinion and gives the car that aggressive look. I think I kidded myself on that I was going to take the I30N on race tracks, and all that. In reality, I had too much FWD power and you just end up with awful axle tramp when it’s remotely greasy on the road (yes, even with Powerflex engine bushes) and power that isn’t particularly useable. The A45 just slams the power down onto all four corners effortlessly and gets me from A to B like a rocket ship. I agree though, many of the used examples perhaps haven’t been looked after as they should (because to do it right costs the owner money) but I suppose that could apply to many car brands.
Owned one. Bloody great car, build quality and performance is outstanding But, maintenance wise, expect to be forking out wads of cash. You summed it up perfectly, they are brilliant and reliable when pouring loads of cash into them.
@saltybulldog3241 read my comment in the main thread, electric tailgate strut, alarm issues and 2 differential and exhaust flap have been replaced in warranty, uncles e43 has had 3 diffs, french parts are the issue
Love every video you do :) Just a little heads up that an i20N in Australia now costs 40-45k new on the road. They have gone up in price considerably. I'm getting mine in the next month and am paying 43k. When they first came out about 2 years ago they were around 35-36k but prices have continued to rise since. Much of it related to supply and demand. Hyundai Australia have not been taking any new orders since about mid 2022.
Great channel mate. Had one of the first delivered in Australia in 2013. Unbelievable. In white with black wheels and aero it had people hanging out of cars to take a picture. However in my short ownership period, the passenger door trim fell out, turbo was upgraded/repaired and water pump replaced. Less thank 5,000 kms on the clock. In the end got sick of the rear wind rattle (dealer said that’s how they are made, nothing they could do) and sold it. Miss it every day
I just have to say that there is nothing as expensive as a cheap AMG. I bought one that was rather hammered from an uncaring pervious owner and after some considerable repairs to it, it has turned into a very enjoyable car. We did control arms, thermostat, timing chain with guides, high pressure fuel pump, diff and gearbox service, crank position sensor, stuck the OEM downpipe back in because the tune done to the car was an absolute botch job. So now she is as happy as a puppy. Runs like crazy, fast, agile and the steering is so quick, reacts to any minor input from the driver. Would I recommend buying it? This is some of the cheapest horsepower you can buy on the second hand car market. Will it give you headaches? Initially, YES it will. But it's almost like the pretty girl that was ruined by her previous boyfriend - You just have to fix her! 😍🥰
I’m still driving 2013 A45 until today. The only complain is the interior rattle noise. Getting more and more. My mech they gave up troubleshoot for me. 😂 If anyone is going to buy, don’t forget the bush/rubbers underneath the car need to be replace. It’s a heaven and hell different after have those replaced.
I had a base 2014 A180 until mid last year, and interior had lots of rattles. I think bc suspension (had the AMG pack with lower ride height) is quite firm and creates rattkes in the interior :(
Loving the content boys. And yeah I used to be a Benz fanatic but there's no way I would buy any modern one and especially not an A45 given the typical buyer demographic. Sign me up for an i30N!
can tell you now, got amg a45 2015, had for nearly 5 years, great car, very good fuel & performance..... getting rid of mine soon but to just had a new car tbh, loved it, good fun car and family
Brilliant video guys but that was never in question really lol. After hearing the review of the AMG A45 I think I'd be more inclined to buy the i20 N or Civic type R over it and possibly A 1 series BMW pending how they fair in terms of reliability, performance, quality and cost of owning one. Seems like this review has given you guys all a hard time especially if Hullsy can't even read his own writing lol. Have a good weekend guys and look forward to next week's videos as always and take care 👍.
Lol, just ask Scotty Kilmer or John Cadogan. The general consensus amongst all motoring journalists is buying any luxury German/British brand out of warranty is a bad idea. Unreliable, very expensive servicing, repairs and parts. And often unable to get aftermarket parts-genuine only which cost a fortune.
@@tomy8339 I recall the old Which car magazine comparing a New Statesman,1991-1993 version of the Mazda 929(before the 1994-1996 update took place)and a 1987-1991 Mercedes 300SE.IN 1996.If you had the brains or ran a limo company You bought a Statesman.the 929 was for people who couldn't justify the money(almost $90,000 on the model that had just come halfway through that year new or a slightly cheaper New Eunos 800 or 800M)so were happy to settle for the previous generation at half the price.I guess the only thing you missed out on with the older model was airbags the price was $45000 overall budget,not much except for Accords,Top of the Range Toyota Vienta V6's,Maximas and the newly introduced Ford Taurus Ghia existed but the buyers of those were people who didn't need or want limo size space at that price point.The Mercedes was for people who could justify the expense of one(seeing the bills of one my parents had but a 1982 280SE would be enough to steer one to buying Australian or Japanese)
Not for me. Not with all the BMW models out there now with the B58 in them (proving VERY reliable), some with a manual option too. RWD dynamics, superior torque, later model cars too for less or the same money as an older A45. M140, M240, 340i, etc. To me A45s always felt cheap too, inside, as with the CLAs.
Interestingly the 135i / 140i are a lot more expensive on the German used car market than the RS3 / S3 or A45. I’ve driven BMW all my life but I am now considering Audi and Mercedes as well.
Here is Canada I have a 2019 GLA45 so similar. 107k always services at Mercedes, no interior rattles or any issues whatsoever. Love the car will keep it until it causes problems as it’s too much fun and paid for.
I looked at buying one, and an RS3 too. I love the exterior styling, it is an almost perfect hatch. The interior is horrible though (in my opinion), and even though they are very fast especially from a standing start, along with the RS3, it was an awful car to drive as a daily. I ended up going for an M140i, and I'm so glad I did. It might struggle for traction on a 0-60, but it is just so much fun to drive, wild, and a beast on the limit. It is also so comfortable as a daily, relaxed and easy to live with, and very economical too. And, now it has 455bhp, it pulls away from A45's and RS3's on a roll.
@@lexman8678 Silly comment. Not all tuned cars have the same tuning and power outputs. I never stated it pulls away from tuned RS3's did I. And 'most' RS3's and A45S's are not tuned, that is untrue, I worked in the motor trade for years and only a small number of hot/hyper hatches that came into the dealership were tuned. The newest RS3 model with 400bhp, can be remapped to about 460bhp. My old M140i with 455bhp will still pull away on a rolling race, because it's lighter in weight, and has less transmission loss. I said 'old' because I now have an OG M2.
@DjNikGnashers you literally said it pulls away from rs3s you absolute gronk it's written in your comment don't try and gaslight me with your narcissistic bullshit buddy trying to sound intelligent but looking like a complete dumbarse is what your doing
I bought my 2014 A45 a year ago from a young couple who just had a baby, for $45k with about 58,000 kms or so on the clock. Had to get the AC re-gassed but it was less than $150. The first service was over $800. Last one only $264. Ended up with a whole complete 2nd set of AMG black 19inch rims, no, not for track. Simply wasn't happy with my empty wheel well with only a 12V compressor and run flats, no spare! Did get the water pooling in the rear seat foot well after one extreme downpour, but stripped the rear bumper off and applied some actual sealant to the offending air vents near the break lights and it has been sorted ever since. Wanted to downgrade to a Skyline Crossover, but only got clowns low balling me when advertised for sale. She still only has 71k kms, quite low for a 2014. Listed at $42,500 and got a few offers, nothing above $35k. I suggested they buy a Kia or Hyundai instead.😇 I think they were hoping I am one of the owners who was in financial trouble, and hoping to pick up a bargain. Thank you so much for affirming my price expectations for these models! One grey import yard shark told me my car red book value was $32k, and my pristine condition and low kms were meaningless. He even had one of his mechanics look over mine and tried to scare me with an oil leak. The old you really should gift us your car, "she's about to blow up" angle. Priceless LOL!
Mitsubishi threw in the towel with Evo and left the ground sulking as AWD, turbo hatchbacks like the A45, RS3 and Golf R launched and were stupid enough to say “no one is going to buy turbo AWD cars anymore”. 10 years later and these are still selling well.
M140i all day everyday. Had golf R was good but boring, was just plant your foot and it went straight. My pal had a A45 and said it was even worse than my golf R. We both have now got M140i’s and won’t look back
Considered buying one, didn't go for it because lots of people are reporting performance loss. Also they are stiff as a coffin. Went for a Golf 7R, and it's a better all rounder. Quite soft in comfort mode, and fun in race mode. Reached 200.000km now, no problems at all. And i drove it hard the last 100.000km. Only had to replace water pump, aside from that normal maintance. Would pick that over the A45 any day, and i'm a Mercedes guy. Will be buying the E53 though.
i have one pre facelift very good sound… the car is very fast awd is just phenomenal… feels like a kart you can toss it around. the suspension is too firm and low profile tires blow up quite easily.
This was on my cars to consider list and i play it regularly in video games, but after watching this video, im going to consider another car with warranty!
Let me give you some advise guys who ever wants to buy this car just like you change engine oil the transmission oil and filter plus differential oil needs changing every 30000miles. My friend has owned one of these from new and never changed the transmission oil and filter plus differential oil . The car did not shift smoothly after 60000 miles then decided to change it with the Merc dealership. After changing the transmission oil there were metal shavings in the gearbox oil. the car gear shifts were very smooth after changing the oil . So guys please please do not buy a car where the transmission oil and filter differential oil has never been changed. :)
I have the new generation(although its the CLA 45) and it comes off not too bad actually. Gaz is more expensive than a regular Mercedes as it consumes ~15% more (including push it in spots+, highway and city driving). Besides that, I took it with the prepaid maintenance package, which is ~4000 (CAD) for 4 years, so we're at 1k/year for all the standard maintenance. The wheels are very low profile so it's easy to get flats. I've gotten two flats (rips), I've gotten two flats in my ownership and replaced those tires for ~400. If I was to continue on thsi trend of flat (I've learnt how to avoid potholes and drive this car better so wont be the case), I'd be spending 1200$ extra on this in a 4 year span. so 1400$/year + 15% more than a regular mercedes gaz price (I'm at 300-400$ a month even with these inflated prices) = 6200$/year. This is honestly not so bad when something like a gaz Prius would be ~4000. This is nothing like a E63 that'll come at 10k-12k to run and maintain
Just buy a Hyundai I30N instead. These things are mostly purchase by those who don’t know how to take care of them. The ones I have seen in my shop always come in with missed services which is a massive No-No. A used performance German car will become a money pit very quickly. They are great when new but with over 100,000ks that’s a whole other story.
@@benfl9636 I hope you really enjoy it. As they are great cars. I just happen to be in Melbourne’s west where more often than not people tend to neglect them.
@@anakinskywalker4113 hence why the whole notion of "luxury" and its subjective tendencies, which is of excess and extragence. So you're right, if you're not excessively excelling in finance, get something reliable, as anything luxury exudes the needs of said general demographic
@@kers225abk2 if you can stump up the money to maintain an A45 then sure. Otherwise don’t bother. Most people do not maintain them as they should. So buying a used one is a gamble.
Leather gets shiny when it's dirty, so cleaning it can restore it to its original matte finish. If some sort of shining product has been used on it, that may be permanent or at least more difficult to remove.
All vehicles with the M133 also have a bulletin for the wide-open throttle crankcase ventilation lines chafing on the engine cover and eventually starting to leak. Note that the bulletin is not a recall, therefore is not covered under warranty. Basically Mercedes has released revised WOT lines, oil tank and bracket that are rerouted so that they no longer chafe. This is a particularly large job to perform and the parts cost around AU$1200.
Owning a Facelifted model at the moment.. great summary with honest comments. Good work. Maintenance part is real. Fixed the coolant leaks last year and put special attention onto the gearbox service. End up paying 3000 to MB Sydney at Alexandria.
Awesome video as usual- love the honesty! Was thinking about a Giulietta QV until I watched your video! Thanks! (Just waiting on the Abarth 595 review now.....)
After owning one and a type r,i30n,I would personally buy either of these than a 45,they are numb to drive and have no soul,certainly not a "drivers car" quick in a straight line,or as a daily,that's all. Bit like a golf R,with a merc badge up front.
It does sound awesome though but you have a point. I went from a Type-R (2008) to this one. The A45 is faster but the Honda felt faster and definitely more engaging. In hindsight, I should have kept the Honda as the A45 is not 4X as fun (paid 4X what I sold the Honda for)
"No, do not buy a car off one of these dickheads". Got my subscribe. Good advice; not just for an AMG. 👍 Keep up the great work. Love the sound detailed advice and bloopers too. Awesome.
I've enjoyed a GLA45 AMG for three plus years and can report that the "Comfort" mode provides a firm but not brutal ride here on New England (USA) roads. Although I love a plush ride as much as the next fellow, I find this vehicle is supple enough to be my daily driver. In Sport, Sport+ and Race modes however, the ride gets progressively stiffer and would be a a challenge as a daily driver. In the more aggressive modes on the right roads the car is inspiring indeed! With 20" rims and good rubber this SUV (!) is able to give most exotics a good run for their money. Plus the electrically selectable exhaust port produces bangs and pops that are quite entertaining! From the leather dash to the adjustable bolster bucket seats and Harmon-Kardon sound system, I love the car just the way it is. PS: Wonderful videos you produce RD.
Man, calling these premium is massively generous, the interior is garbage and normally most of the switch gear is flaking off. The steering wheel and stalks feel horribly cheap. Suspension may as well be solid bars, jiggly ride and its not easy to place on the move because small bumps unsettle them easily. Works great on a smooth track. The motor also sucks, its either going like a bat out of hell or you are stuck off boost and the thing doesn't respond in any meaningful way, unless it kicks down and then delivers more acceleration than what you wanted.
First off can't hear the wind in the Mic. So excellent job with that brother and none of us. Watching this car with you care about your hair just to let ya know😂😂😂 great video!!!!!👍 I also feel sad for people who buy cars for expecting people to look at them. You should buy a car for how it gives the smile on your face. And that's the only reason😅
This car is way to cool for you bud. Saying others are idiots in your blog is not becoming. Stick to n sport and wrx. Any real things you should mention like the optional AMG dynamic plus package that gives you front LTD slip diff. Speed restricted to 270kmph. The ltd slip diff makes you 4 seconds a lap quicker. Its on the GR yarris Rallye which you paid extra 10 k just so it would actually corner. Mentioning faults that can be on any car. Not specific to this one seems droll. Also it even in 2022 ran 4th outright in bathurst 6hr. Only 3 entered. Against 10 BMW competitions. Which were in extreme class A45 was in A1. Of the 10 BMW that entered only a couple BMW competitions finished. A45 would of flogged them with a bit of Bathurst moisture.
I drove a I20 n and i strong believe if you want performance car just buy a new one you can afford and sell it before warranty ends . Save you the world of trouble and headaches. I prefer a brand new Hyundai i20 over this used AMG A45 all day everyday .
A family member bought a new one when first released. It was definitely fast, though didn't make me want to spend $80k on a fun or fast car. It was definitely fast, though you did need to look at the speedo to know it. There wasn't much feel in the whole car. FL5 is the car you should buy if you can get one.
Thanks so much for a great video, I had a 2015 model and not only did it have terrible resale value here in SA but it was BY FAR the worst car I’ve ever owned, was great for the first month or two and then the world turned upside down with sooo many issues I can’t list them all, Mercedes also not great to deal with unless you have a mate there..
I drove one at work, the non turbo one, it actually felt pretty shit and cheap.. had 87,000km and I was not impressed at all.. nothing against the brand but compared to say a Porsche, the build quality felt really bad for the massive price they slap on these cars. IMO
Great review as always..but here comes the but, But (and I'm just nitpicking here) Mercedes-Benz refers to their infotainment as Comand OS not MMI that Audi lingo /marketing speak. (13min-07s)
Yeah this whole video screams of AMG used car ad. Like why would I want a “cheap” luxury car that I have to pump loads of $$$$$ into unless it won’t run right? No thanks, I’m staying far away from the german car brands no matter how many people try and convince me how much of a deal they are.
