Did you know that the Mercedes Benz GLA has one of the highest complaint rates among luxury SUVs? According to reliability and satisfaction surveys, some model years are plagued by issues, while others shine with dependability.
If you’re in the market for a used GLA, it’s vital to know which years to avoid and which ones offer the most value. For instance, the 2017 model is notoriously problematic, but what specific issues make it a lemon, and which years are safe to buy, making it essential to do your research?
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Key Takeaways
- Avoid 2015, 2017, and 2018 models due to high number of reported complaints and lower dependability, particularly brake issues.
- 2016, 2019, and 2020 models offer the most value with fewer issues and lower costs, making them safe to purchase used.
- 2017 is the worst year to buy due to significant brake troubles, with many owners reporting brake problems.
- Researching model years and maintenance history using tools like CoPilot car shopping app can aid in making an informed decision.
- Regular maintenance and checks are essential to prevent common issues like brake and transmission troubles.
Years to Avoid and Safe to Buy
When shopping for a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, it’s crucial to know which model years to approach with caution and which ones are worth considering.
Avoid 2015, 2017, and 2018 models, which have a high number of reported complaints and lower dependability. The 2017 model year is particularly problematic due to brake issues, making it the worst year to buy used.
Instead, consider 2016, 2019, and 2020 models, which offer the most value with fewer issues and lower costs.
Researching model years and maintenance history with tools like CoPilot car shopping app can help you make an informed decision.
Common Problems and Reliability
You’ll want to be aware of the common issues that can arise in your Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, particularly in regard to brake problems and transmission troubles.
These issues can be especially prevalent in certain model years, such as the 2017 model, which is known for having significant brake troubles.
Brake Issues
How reliable are the brakes in a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Unfortunately, brake issues are a common complaint among GLA-Class owners.
The 2017 model year is particularly problematic, with many owners reporting troubles with the brake system.
Regular maintenance and checks are recommended to prevent brake problems, as the braking system is a problematic spot in the GLA-Class.
According to carcomplaints.com, brake issues are one of the top complaints for the GLA-Class.
The 2015 and 2018 model years also have a higher number of brake complaints, making them years to avoid if possible.
Transmission Troubles
As you consider purchasing a used Mercedes-Benz GLA, transmission troubles should be a top concern.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class commonly experiences these issues, which is a significant reliability concern. You should be cautious of the 2015, 2017, and 2018 model years, considered the worst years to buy due to prevalent transmission troubles.
Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems, so research the number of complaints by year to make an informed purchase decision.
According to carcomplaints.com, the 2017 model year has the most complaints, with significant troubles in the brakes, which can be related to transmission issues.
Complaints by Year and Reliability
When researching a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, it’s essential to ponder the reliability and complaints associated with each model year.
You’ll want to avoid the least reliable years, which can lead to costly repair costs down the road.
- 2017 is the worst year: Avoid this model year due to significant brake troubles, making it the most problematic.
- 2015 and 2018 have issues: These years have a higher number of complaints, including transmission troubles, brake issues, and spark plug errors.
- 2016, 2019, and 2020 are better options: These years have fewer complaints, making them more reliable and better choices for purchase.
Use tools like the CoPilot car shopping app to research complaints by year and make an informed purchasing decision.
Pricing and Value
You’ve weighed the reliability and complaints associated with each Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model year, now it’s time to examine the pricing and value of this luxury compact crossover.
The starting price point for a new GLA-Class is $41,850, while used models can cost below $30,000, depending on the condition and model year.
Buying a 2-year-old used GLA-Class can save you $13,434 compared to buying new, with plenty of useful life remaining. Additionally, the GLA-Class depreciates 45% after 5 years, resulting in a 5-year resale value of $27,423, making it essential to factor in depreciation costs when buying.
Additional Resources
The car-buying process can be overwhelming,
but with the right tools and resources, you can make an informed decision.
To aid in your used car search, utilize the following additional resources:
- Free Car-Buying App: Streamline your car buying experience with a hassle-free app that provides access to a vast inventory of used cars from top brands like Mercedes-Benz.
- Popular Car Searches: Investigate popular car searches by makes, models, and locations to find the best used cars that fit your needs.
- Car Inventory and Insights: Get data-driven insights on vehicle dependability and car model years to make an informed decision on your next Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class purchase.
Reliability and Years to Avoid
Purchasing a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class can be a wise decision, but it’s essential to be aware of the model years that are prone to issues.
You should avoid the 2015, 2017, and 2018 models, which have a high number of reported complaints and lower dependability. The 2017 model year is the most problematic, with significant brake troubles.
On the other hand, the 2016, 2019, and 2020 models are safe to purchase used, offering the most value for your expense with fewer issues and lower costs.
Be sure to research the number of complaints by year to make an informed decision.
Common Problems and Maintenance
When buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, understanding its common problems and maintenance requirements is vital to making an informed decision.
The GLA-Class commonly experiences transmission troubles, brake issues, and spark plug errors, with the braking system being a particularly problematic spot.
Regular maintenance and checks are essential to prevent these issues and reduce costs.
- Brake issues: The 2015, 2017, and 2018 model years have a higher number of complaints, making them the years to avoid.
- Maintenance costs: The GLA-Class requires $13,781 over the first ten years of ownership, with a 42% chance it will require serious repairs during its lifespan.
- Regular maintenance: Regular checks can help prevent issues and reduce costs, which are better than the industry average.
Buying a Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
You’re considering buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and that’s a smart move.
Focus on model years 2016, 2019, and 2020, which offer the most value with fewer issues and lower costs.
When buying used, consider the age and condition of the vehicle, as the engine can last up to 200,000-250,000 miles.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing common problems like transmission troubles and brake issues.
You can find a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class for under $30,000, depending on the condition and model year, making it a more affordable option than buying new.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Depreciation Overview
How much will your Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class be worth down the line? Understanding the depreciation of your vehicle is vital.
After 5 years, your GLA-Class will depreciate 45% and have a resale value of $27,423.
Here’s what you need to take into account:
- Purchase price: The original price you pay for your Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class affects its depreciation.
- Ownership period: The longer you own your GLA-Class, the more it will depreciate.
- Miles driven annually: Higher mileage will decrease your GLA-Class’s resale value.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Mercedes Benz GLB, Mercedes Benz GL, Mercedes Benz GLC and Mercedes Benz GLE. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
