Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Mercedes CLA (Mk1, 2013-2019) review - What do owners think? 

Mercedes continues to slide down our Driver Power satisfaction survey’s makers’ chart, although the CLA scores on safety kit

The Mk1 CLA didn’t feature in our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but the platform- sharing A-Class Mk3 appeared in the 2017 and 2018 New Car surveys, placing 69th and 56th respectively. It scored well for its exterior fit and finish, with the only other top 50 scores for running costs and reliability. All other scores, from safety and practicality to engines and infotainment, are outside of the top 50.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the latest 2021 Driver Power survey, the Mercedes A-Class finished 23rd out of 75 cars, although it’s worth noting that in the vast majority of cases the results are based on the current A-Class.

Reliability

Mercedes has been performing better since the Mk1 CLA went out of production. In the 2021 Driver Power survey of manufacturers, Mercedes ranked 13th out of 29, so while there’s still room for improvement, the result places the company higher than BMW (21st) and Audi (23rd). 

Overall, perceived quality is very high, but some cost-cutting is evident up close, especially on the inside. There’s an element of ‘paying for the badge’, but the CLA remains a premium product.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,075 off RRP*Used from £7,195
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,528 off RRP*Used from £11,276
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £6,825 off RRP*Used from £9,749
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists
Speeding camera

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists

The new type of radar-based speed cameras are currently being trialled in London
News
19 Mar 2026
Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’
airport parking

Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’

The price of a 15-minute drop off now costs £10, while a 30-minute stop incurs a £28 charge
News
20 Mar 2026
10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm
Coolest SUVs coming soon - March 2026 header image

10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm

These are fresh SUVs we can’t wait to arrive, from Skoda’s butch baby electric SUV to McLaren’s loftiest creation ever
Best cars & vans
20 Mar 2026