MB A class 180 petrol auto vs BMW 1 auto petrol, first car

UnsureAboutthis

I thought that but could not be ,…… as before posting I did look up the 118i and the 180 mb

Herzlos

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82036164#Comment_82036164

Fair enough. Both are bad choices, but the Mercedes is marginally less bad. Get that.

Iceweasel

'Freude am Fahren' beats 'Das Beste oder nichts'.

Goudy

The MB 180 (M282) is a Renault - Nissan - Mitsubishi alliance engine built in collaboration with Daimler. It's the 1.332 litre 4 cylinder turbo engine.

I have this in my 2020 Renault Clio, along with a version of the same DCT gearbox, though the gearbox version for the Mercedes had a couple of extra filters.

I compared both before I bought my Clio and the Merc is far more expensive to service and insure.

It's not a bad engine but it does have a plastic thermostat housing that is prone to cracking open and leaking out all the coolant. That's on my monthly check list. I also don't let the dealer change my coolant. I do it myself to make sure it's bleed properly.

The 1 Series BMW (I presume it's an F40 model) is based on the Mini platform (UKL2) and the same 3 cylinder turbo Mini engines for the 1.5 versions (B38).

These do suffer timing chain wear. Check it at cold start up, if it rattles or is noisy, walk away. The 3 cylinder engine is prone to odd vibrations that can wear the engine mounts and transmit that into the cabin.

I seem to think the 1.5 version runs the same Getrag 7DCT300 gearbox as the Merc (and Clio).

One thing that bothered me about both when researching these models, both the Merc and BMW have rather bossy service warnings.

They will light up the dash tell you when it thinks things need doing. This is usually based on time rather than use. Some of these will flag up between normal servicing routines, so expect plenty of dealer trips.

UnsureAboutthis

Thanks all.

Our daughter has decided to not to go flash as she hardly drives ie work from home, cab to airports for hols, trains to city for nights out etc.

Therefore, consider an acr re around 2017/9 2020 cheap to insure relatively, with ok road tax, ok mpg, relatively safe crash rating—importantly, a strong auto box and a petrol-only engine or a reliable hybrid. I said the Toyota Yaris, pre 2020 or the new shape from that year; she is not interested, nor does she like the Mazda cx3 or 3 model

like the shape of the new Peugeot 208 but engine concerns

she'd go for a high miles Teslla 3 which surprised me but charging problems, i.e., costs, i.e., no home charging, and it will be at times not drive for at least 2 weeks at a time or more as shopping is via home del other than odds and ends.

Any ideas, please?

XRS200

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82045499#Comment_82045499

What did your nephew go for ?

Herzlos

If it's only going to be used every few weeks, then I'd be saving the money and getting taxis, or looking for local car clubs.

If you insist on a car, then an EV will survive being unused a lot better.
If she likes the 208 but you don't like the engine, then there's the e-208 for under £10k, and with a 200 mile range she's not going to need to charge it that often.

Goudy

If it's not going to be used regularly/enough, forget the Yaris Hybrid.

The latest model (2020 on) is fantastic. It's a major step up from the previous model in terms of the hybrid system, traction battery, safety kit and drivability, but it's expensive and with little use you'll never see that back at the pumps.

Also they have a very common problem, the 12v batteries are very small and go flat if left unused for a while. Lot's of owners complain about this as the car is dead when they return to it and need the battery jumping.

There are a few decent petrol autos that are cheap enough to run and insure.

My Clio RS Line 130 Tce EDC nudges 60 mpg on a run and has been very cheap to run and service. The boot is massive, bigger than a Golf and it's loaded with all the safety kit. They didn't make these long (2019 and 2020) as the Hybrid E-tech version replaced it soon after. The E-tech hybrid generally compares well with the Yaris but with a bigger, better 12v battery and are a little cheaper.

The Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet auto is very good if a little tinny and uninspiring inside but they are generally cheap and very reliable.

The last of the Fiesta's (2020 on) had the same gearbox as the Clio, Merc A Class, Mini/BMW 1 series. Just make sure it's the 7 speed wet clutch version rather than the 6 speed dry clutch. They are generally cheap to run and service and pretty fun to drive.

You/she would have to do some sums if an EV is worth it if it can't be charged at home but if the car is doing little mileage, the extra cost on on street chargers shouldn't be a massive hit in the pocket. Obviously they make more sense if you do a few more miles and can charge cheaply.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82045499#Comment_82045499

If you have a Tesla charging site nearby then it will be cheaper than petrol even with no home charging. Due to Tesla low charging costs.

Iceweasel

Shades of Dark Matter perhaps?

Nephew?

Daughter?