Should I buy a Mercedes-Benz A-Class or BMW 1 Series?

I need to buy a car and looking at the BMW 1 series or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. I do a lot of driving, approx 80 miles round trip to work daily. Budget is £18,000 max. Which one and which particular model gives the best MPG and most luxury feel? Or am I missing a trick and should consider other models?

Asked on 26 July 2022 by Rob N

Answered by Andrew Brady

With your budget, you'll be looking at a late example of the last-generation BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) or an early example of the latest Mercedes A-Class (launched in 2018). With that in mind, we'd recommend the Mercedes – it'll feel a generation ahead of the 1 Series, with a superb interior and all the latest technology. A diesel makes sense for your mileage – the A180d will be the most efficient. Our readers see 61.3mpg on average: www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/mercedes-benz/a-class...8

Alternatively, consider a more mainstream alternative like the Volkswagen Golf. You'll get a late example of the seventh-generation Golf within budget. It'll be very cheap to run and a very comfortable car for covering lots of miles.

Tags: buying a used car diesels high mileage mpg

Similar questions

Looking at a high-mileage Peugeot 307

I'm looking at a 2005 Peugeot 307 diesel for £1895. It looks to be in excellent condition inside and out, but has done 140,000 miles. It has a year's MoT ,and two months' warranty. Should I buy it?

I need a cheap, reliable car to cover a big mileage - what do you recommend?

I am due to start a new job in Lincolnshire which involves covering 30,000 miles a year, 200 miles a day. Which car would you recommend as the cheapest option? I can't afford a new car and, given the high...

What is the best, economical commuting car for £5000?

I just started a new job in which I'm doing 120 miles a day, mostly motorway, five times a week. What would be the most economical car to commute and what kind of mpg can I get? I can spend around £5000,...

Related models