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.
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