Likes
- Wonderful to drive, especially the AMG variants.
- Loaded with tech and features.
- Ticks all the subjective premium car boxes.
- Thanks to heavy depreciation, bargains can be had on the used market.
Used Mercedes-Benz CLA (C118) review
Dislikes
- Very concerning and long list of common issues.
- Just because it’s wearing a premium badge, does not mean it’s a premium product.
- Expensive maintenance and ownership costs, combined with heavy depreciation.
- Simply not the build quality or reliability that you may expect.
Stuff you should know
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, known internally as the C118, arrived in Australia in late 2019. Essentially a sleeker, four-door coupé version of the A-Class, the CLA sat on Mercedes’ MFA2 platform, which it shared with the A-Class hatch and sedan, as well as the GLA and GLB SUVs. While the A-Class sedan was marketed as the sensible, practical entry point into the brand, the CLA was positioned as the more stylish, design-driven alternative, with a lower roofline, frameless doors, and a premium ambience. It slotted in below the C-Class in size and price but carried an image-led appeal.
The local range offered a variety of engines, beginning with the CLA 200, powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 120 kW (161 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), driving the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The CLA 250 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 165 kW (221 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), paired with the same 7-speed dual-clutch but sending power to all four wheels through Mercedes’ 4MATIC system. Above these, AMG variants lifted performance significantly: the CLA 35 AMG offered 225 kW (302 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), while the flagship CLA 45 S AMG extracted an extraordinary 310 kW (416 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) from its hand-built 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems in the segment.
Standard equipment across the CLA range was generous for the class. Even the entry-level CLA 200 included Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system with dual widescreen displays, LED headlights, digital instrumentation, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. The CLA 250 added larger wheels, sportier styling details, and leather upholstery, while AMG variants introduced AMG-specific styling, sports seats, adaptive suspension, and further performance-oriented equipment. A mid-cycle update in 2023 brought a mild exterior refresh with revised headlights and bumpers, upgraded infotainment software, and adjusted equipment packages across the line-up.
Within the broader Mercedes-Benz range, the CLA was positioned as a stylish alternative to the more conventional A-Class and C-Class, appealing to buyers seeking design and exclusivity in a compact package. The AMG CLA 35 and especially the CLA 45 S served as halo models in the compact performance segment, delivering performance levels that rivalled far more expensive sports cars. In the Australian marketplace, the CLA competed most directly with the Audi A3 Sedan and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, while also overlapping with higher-specification mainstream sedans and compact SUVs. On the used market, heavy depreciation has made the CLA significantly more affordable than when new, but this does introduce certain ownership considerations.
Mercedes-Benz enjoys a strong support network in Australia, with widespread dealership coverage and a solid base of independent specialists. However, ownership costs are a critical factor — servicing, maintenance, and spare parts can be extremely expensive, particularly outside the warranty period. While Mercedes-Benz continues to project an image of prestige and engineering excellence, its reputation for reliability and build quality is not quite as unblemished as it once was. As these cars age, and particularly if they have been misused or neglected, a number of common issues can arise — we’ll cover these in detail in the “what goes wrong” section below.
What goes wrong?
Exterior
First things first, if you’re looking at a CLA, make sure every single thing powered by electricity actually works. Dig into the forums or owners’ groups and you’ll see all sorts of stories about little gremlins popping up — power folding mirrors that won’t fold, keyless entry that decides it doesn’t want to work today, central locking that gets moody. Thing is, a lot of these issues are pretty sporadic, so while they crop up, they’re not what we’d call widespread deal-breakers.
But there are a few electronic issues that come up often enough that they’re definitely worth paying attention to. One that really stood out in our research was the boot refusing to open. Owners have reported trying everything — pressing the button on the boot itself, unlocking via the key fob, even attempting to manually open it — and nothing. Some have swapped batteries, replaced fuses, reset systems, but still no dice. It seems to be a software glitch that often takes repeated trips to the dealer to fix. Not the end of the world if the car’s under warranty and you don’t urgently need access to your boot, but if it happens outside of warranty, it could become both frustrating and expensive.
The windows can be another problem area. There are plenty of reports of either the passenger or driver’s window dropping more than it should and then refusing to auto-raise when the door closes, even after resets. Normally that’s an annoyance, but on the CLA it’s more than that because it has frameless doors. These look sensational, but if the windows don’t drop or seal properly, it can stop you getting in and out easily or leave the car less secure when locked.
On the more “stupid oversight” front, there are countless reports of a coolant warning light. Often this comes down to a clip for the coolant system behind the bumper that wasn’t fitted correctly from the factory, or a dodgy sensor. An easy fix, yes, but again, the CLA is still a relatively young car, so you’d expect better.
Then there’s the sunroof. If it’s even slightly out of alignment, it can throw a tantrum and refuse to open or close. Usually it’s an adjustment job, but in some cases, replacement parts are needed — and if that’s out of warranty, the bill can balloon quickly. A few owners have also reported water leaks, but these are rare. Like any car with a sunroof, keeping the drainage channels clean is absolutely essential. If the car you’re inspecting shows signs that hasn’t been done, or the seller has no idea what you’re talking about when you ask, best
Exterior
First things first, if you’re looking at a CLA, make sure every single thing powered by electricity actually works. Dig into the forums or owners’ groups and you’ll see all sorts of stories about little gremlins popping up — power folding mirrors that won’t fold, keyless entry that decides it doesn’t want to work today, central locking that gets moody. Thing is, a lot of these issues are pretty sporadic, so while they crop up, they’re not what we’d call widespread deal-breakers.
But there are a few electronic issues that come up often enough that they’re definitely worth paying attention to. One that really stood out in our research was the boot refusing to open. Owners have reported trying everything — pressing the button on the boot itself, unlocking via the key fob, even attempting to manually open it — and nothing. Some have swapped batteries, replaced fuses, reset systems, but still no dice. It seems to be a software glitch that often takes repeated trips to the dealer to fix. Not the end of the world if the car’s under warranty and you don’t urgently need access to your boot, but if it happens outside of warranty, it could become both frustrating and expensive.
The windows can be another problem area. There are plenty of reports of either the passenger or driver’s window dropping more than it should and then refusing to auto-raise when the door closes, even after resets. Normally that’s an annoyance, but on the CLA it’s more than that because it has frameless doors. These look sensational, but if the windows don’t drop or seal properly, it can stop you getting in and out easily or leave the car less secure when locked.
On the more “stupid oversight” front, there are countless reports of a coolant warning light. Often this comes down to a clip for the coolant system behind the bumper that wasn’t fitted correctly from the factory, or a dodgy sensor. An easy fix, yes, but again, the CLA is still a relatively young car, so you’d expect better.
Then there’s the sunroof. If it’s even slightly out of alignment, it can throw a tantrum and refuse to open or close. Usually it’s an adjustment job, but in some cases, replacement parts are needed — and if that’s out of warranty, the bill can balloon quickly. A few owners have also reported water leaks, but these are rare. Like any car with a sunroof, keeping the drainage channels clean is absolutely essential. If the car you’re inspecting shows signs that hasn’t been done, or the seller has no idea what you’re talking about when you ask, best walk away.
Wear and tear is worth checking too. On AMG models with those stunning black wheels, the paint can chip easily. Pro tip: don’t head straight to your Mercedes dealer for a fix — independent wheel repairers will do a fantastic job for a fraction of the price. On non-AMG models, owners have also complained about cracked rims when running the standard run-flats on Australia’s less-than-perfect roads. Hitting potholes and rough surfaces doesn’t do them any favours, and replacement OEM wheels aren’t cheap.
Suspension is another area to keep an eye on. AMG versions often run an adaptive damper system which is superb when it’s working, but expensive and frustrating when it’s not. Most failures we found were covered under warranty, but as these cars age that protection won’t always be there. And while we’re on AMG specifics, the OEM brake pads seem to have been designed to generate as much brake dust as possible — you’ll be cleaning your wheels constantly.
The good news is that the Mercedes tax on parts can be avoided if you do some homework. Plenty of owners swear by aftermarket alternatives for things like pads, suspension and even engine components. Not only are they usually cheaper, but in some cases they’ll last longer, perform better, and produce less brake dust.
Interior
Sadly, the gremlins don’t stop on the outside. Owners have reported all sorts of phantom warnings inside — the check engine light flicking on, low coolant messages, safety systems having a meltdown — only for technicians to find nothing wrong. Often these issues clear, only to reappear days later. On AMG models in particular, there are also plenty of reports of them being unusually thirsty for coolant, which might be linked to these warnings.
As the CLA ages, rattles are another bugbear. Owners report them from doors, dashboards, pillars — just about anywhere. On the surface, the CLA’s cabin looks and feels very high quality, and for the most part it is, as long as you don’t dig too deep. But behind the fancy trim, there’s a lot of brittle plastic, and as the kilometres rack up, things creak, rattle and squeak. Some of the chrome-look or metallic trim can also flake, vent knobs have been known to fall off, and the air con panel can become wobbly over time.
The ambient lighting is a party trick — 64 colours to choose from — but it doesn’t always work consistently. We came across reports where one door simply refused to light up at all. In some cases, when the door lighting fails, other electrics in the same door (like mirrors, blind spot monitoring or central locking) can also misbehave. Again, not a widespread issue, but worth checking.
The seats are a highlight. Even the standard ones are extremely comfortable and supportive, while the AMG buckets look the part and hug you perfectly. That said, AMG seats can develop squeaks from interior sections coming loose, which can be maddening to live with and expensive to put right if it happens out of warranty.
Then there’s the MBUX infotainment system, which, when it’s working, is one of the best on the market. But there are plenty of reports of both displays going blank or rebooting mid-drive, CarPlay and Android Auto dropouts, or the reversing camera refusing to display when you need it most. Some issues can be fixed with a simple restart, others need dealer software updates. The Mercedes Me app also adds to the headaches — in theory it lets you control features, monitor servicing and update software, but in reality it can be buggy and unreliable. In very rare cases, botched updates have even bricked cars, leaving them immobile until reset by a dealer.
And finally, the usual frustrations: gloss black plastics that scratch if you breathe on them, interiors that mark easily if actually used, and Alcantara steering wheels that soak up every drop of oil and sweat from your hands, leaving them looking pretty unpleasant if not carefully maintained.
Mechanically
The CLA range uses three main engines in Australia, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The CLA 200 gets the M282 1.3-litre turbo, co-developed with Renault and Nissan. That means Renault/Nissan hardware but Mercedes pricing, which isn’t always ideal.
The early 2018–2020 engines were the most problematic, with timing chain issues caused by dodgy chain tensioners, excessive oil consumption (especially if servicing has been neglected), thermostat and water pump leaks, and wastegate rattles from the tiny turbo.
There was also a recall for the turbo oil feed — definitely check if that’s been done.
The CLA 250 and CLA 35 AMG both use the M260 2.0-litre turbo. AMG branding aside, the 35 is essentially a hotter version of the 250’s motor rather than a bespoke AMG design. It’s less extreme than the CLA 45’s M139, and arguably less temperamental, but still has its quirks.
Known issues include timing chain rattle (especially on cold starts), PCV system problems that worsen oil consumption, and EGR troubles. Some engines have suffered premature wear of exhaust valves and seats, occasionally leading to catastrophic engine failure, with reports of failures as low as 15,000 km. In North America Mercedes extended the warranty for this, but in Australia owners have generally had less support.
The plastic thermostat housing is also prone to failure and leaks, and the engines run very soft mounts that tend to need replacing around 100,000 km.
The CLA 45 S runs the mighty M139 2.0-litre turbo, which at 310 kW is one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines ever put into production.
It’s a closed-deck, twin-scroll turbocharged, forged-internals monster, but that performance comes at a cost.
Valve spring failures are a known issue, ignition coils and spark plugs can play up from 80,000 km (with recalls in place for some components), and like the others it can suffer from oil consumption.
Turbos are known to wear prematurely given how hard they’re worked, the complex cooling system is prone to leaks, and engine mounts wear quickly.
Rear differentials, while more fragile on earlier AMG generations, can still fail between 50–80,000 km.
The bottom line with the M139 is that it’s almost a race engine, and if you want it to last, you need to treat it like one — regular servicing every 5,000 km is strongly recommended, even though that sounds excessive for a road car.
Exterior
First things first, if you’re looking at a CLA, make sure every single thing powered by electricity actually works. Dig into the forums or owners’ groups and you’ll see all sorts of stories about little gremlins popping up — power folding mirrors that won’t fold, keyless entry that decides it doesn’t want to work today, central locking that gets moody. Thing is, a lot of these issues are pretty sporadic, so while they crop up, they’re not what we’d call widespread deal-breakers.
But there are a few electronic issues that come up often enough that they’re definitely worth paying attention to. One that really stood out in our research was the boot refusing to open. Owners have reported trying everything — pressing the button on the boot itself, unlocking via the key fob, even attempting to manually open it — and nothing. Some have swapped batteries, replaced fuses, reset systems, but still no dice. It seems to be a software glitch that often takes repeated trips to the dealer to fix. Not the end of the world if the car’s under warranty and you don’t urgently need access to your boot, but if it happens outside of warranty, it could become both frustrating and expensive.
The windows can be another problem area. There are plenty of reports of either the passenger or driver’s window dropping more than it should and then refusing to auto-raise when the door closes, even after resets. Normally that’s an annoyance, but on the CLA it’s more than that because it has frameless doors. These look sensational, but if the windows don’t drop or seal properly, it can stop you getting in and out easily or leave the car less secure when locked.
On the more “stupid oversight” front, there are countless reports of a coolant warning light. Often this comes down to a clip for the coolant system behind the bumper that wasn’t fitted correctly from the factory, or a dodgy sensor. An easy fix, yes, but again, the CLA is still a relatively young car, so you’d expect better.
Then there’s the sunroof. If it’s even slightly out of alignment, it can throw a tantrum and refuse to open or close. Usually it’s an adjustment job, but in some cases, replacement parts are needed — and if that’s out of warranty, the bill can balloon quickly. A few owners have also reported water leaks, but these are rare. Like any car with a sunroof, keeping the drainage channels clean is absolutely essential. If the car you’re inspecting shows signs that hasn’t been done, or the seller has no idea what you’re talking about when you ask, best walk away.
Wear and tear is worth checking too. On AMG models with those stunning black wheels, the paint can chip easily. Pro tip: don’t head straight to your Mercedes dealer for a fix — independent wheel repairers will do a fantastic job for a fraction of the price. On non-AMG models, owners have also complained about cracked rims when running the standard run-flats on Australia’s less-than-perfect roads. Hitting potholes and rough surfaces doesn’t do them any favours, and replacement OEM wheels aren’t cheap.
Suspension is another area to keep an eye on. AMG versions often run an adaptive damper system which is superb when it’s working, but expensive and frustrating when it’s not. Most failures we found were covered under warranty, but as these cars age that protection won’t always be there. And while we’re on AMG specifics, the OEM brake pads seem to have been designed to generate as much brake dust as possible — you’ll be cleaning your wheels constantly.
The good news is that the Mercedes tax on parts can be avoided if you do some homework. Plenty of owners swear by aftermarket alternatives for things like pads, suspension and even engine components. Not only are they usually cheaper, but in some cases they’ll last longer, perform better, and produce less brake dust.
Interior
Sadly, the gremlins don’t stop on the outside. Owners have reported all sorts of phantom warnings inside — the check engine light flicking on, low coolant messages, safety systems having a meltdown — only for technicians to find nothing wrong. Often these issues clear, only to reappear days later. On AMG models in particular, there are also plenty of reports of them being unusually thirsty for coolant, which might be linked to these warnings.
As the CLA ages, rattles are another bugbear. Owners report them from doors, dashboards, pillars — just about anywhere. On the surface, the CLA’s cabin looks and feels very high quality, and for the most part it is, as long as you don’t dig too deep. But behind the fancy trim, there’s a lot of brittle plastic, and as the kilometres rack up, things creak, rattle and squeak. Some of the chrome-look or metallic trim can also flake, vent knobs have been known to fall off, and the air con panel can become wobbly over time.
The ambient lighting is a party trick — 64 colours to choose from — but it doesn’t always work consistently. We came across reports where one door simply refused to light up at all. In some cases, when the door lighting fails, other electrics in the same door (like mirrors, blind spot monitoring or central locking) can also misbehave. Again, not a widespread issue, but worth checking.
The seats are a highlight. Even the standard ones are extremely comfortable and supportive, while the AMG buckets look the part and hug you perfectly. That said, AMG seats can develop squeaks from interior sections coming loose, which can be maddening to live with and expensive to put right if it happens out of warranty.
Then there’s the MBUX infotainment system, which, when it’s working, is one of the best on the market. But there are plenty of reports of both displays going blank or rebooting mid-drive, CarPlay and Android Auto dropouts, or the reversing camera refusing to display when you need it most. Some issues can be fixed with a simple restart, others need dealer software updates. The Mercedes Me app also adds to the headaches — in theory it lets you control features, monitor servicing and update software, but in reality it can be buggy and unreliable. In very rare cases, botched updates have even bricked cars, leaving them immobile until reset by a dealer.
And finally, the usual frustrations: gloss black plastics that scratch if you breathe on them, interiors that mark easily if actually used, and Alcantara steering wheels that soak up every drop of oil and sweat from your hands, leaving them looking pretty unpleasant if not carefully maintained.
Mechanically
The CLA range uses three main engines in Australia, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The CLA 200 gets the M282 1.3-litre turbo, co-developed with Renault and Nissan. That means Renault/Nissan hardware but Mercedes pricing, which isn’t always ideal.
The early 2018–2020 engines were the most problematic, with timing chain issues caused by dodgy chain tensioners, excessive oil consumption (especially if servicing has been neglected), thermostat and water pump leaks, and wastegate rattles from the tiny turbo.
There was also a recall for the turbo oil feed — definitely check if that’s been done.
The CLA 250 and CLA 35 AMG both use the M260 2.0-litre turbo. AMG branding aside, the 35 is essentially a hotter version of the 250’s motor rather than a bespoke AMG design. It’s less extreme than the CLA 45’s M139, and arguably less temperamental, but still has its quirks.
Known issues include timing chain rattle (especially on cold starts), PCV system problems that worsen oil consumption, and EGR troubles. Some engines have suffered premature wear of exhaust valves and seats, occasionally leading to catastrophic engine failure, with reports of failures as low as 15,000 km. In North America Mercedes extended the warranty for this, but in Australia owners have generally had less support.
The plastic thermostat housing is also prone to failure and leaks, and the engines run very soft mounts that tend to need replacing around 100,000 km.
The CLA 45 S runs the mighty M139 2.0-litre turbo, which at 310 kW is one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines ever put into production.
It’s a closed-deck, twin-scroll turbocharged, forged-internals monster, but that performance comes at a cost.
Valve spring failures are a known issue, ignition coils and spark plugs can play up from 80,000 km (with recalls in place for some components), and like the others it can suffer from oil consumption.
Turbos are known to wear prematurely given how hard they’re worked, the complex cooling system is prone to leaks, and engine mounts wear quickly.
Rear differentials, while more fragile on earlier AMG generations, can still fail between 50–80,000 km.
The bottom line with the M139 is that it’s almost a race engine, and if you want it to last, you need to treat it like one — regular servicing every 5,000 km is strongly recommended, even though that sounds excessive for a road car.
Should you buy it?
Should you buy a used Mercedes-Benz CLA?
When it comes to the lower-spec CLAs — the CLA 200 and CLA 250 — honestly, no, we don’t think you should. For the money these still fetch on the used market, there are plenty of other options that will not only cost less to buy but will generally give you more car for your cash. We’re talking about better build quality, stronger reliability records, cheaper servicing and parts, and the bonus of holding their value more effectively over time.
If you’re shopping in CLA 200 or 250 territory, you owe it to yourself to check out the top-spec versions of the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3 sedan, Hyundai’s i30 sedan and even Kia’s new K4. These might not carry the same prestige badge, but in real-world terms they’re often more rewarding to own and live with, plus they’ll likely cost you less in the long run. The only real trump card the CLA has here is the Mercedes badge on the bonnet and the image that comes with it. But let’s be honest — if you’re considering a car like this, you’re probably smart enough not to fall for marketing and badge appeal alone.
And what about the CLA 35 AMG? Well, same story really — we wouldn’t recommend one. They’re the worst for depreciation, they suffer from the same long list of potential issues as the rest of the range, ownership costs are still eye-wateringly high, and
Should you buy a used Mercedes-Benz CLA?
When it comes to the lower-spec CLAs — the CLA 200 and CLA 250 — honestly, no, we don’t think you should. For the money these still fetch on the used market, there are plenty of other options that will not only cost less to buy but will generally give you more car for your cash. We’re talking about better build quality, stronger reliability records, cheaper servicing and parts, and the bonus of holding their value more effectively over time.
If you’re shopping in CLA 200 or 250 territory, you owe it to yourself to check out the top-spec versions of the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3 sedan, Hyundai’s i30 sedan and even Kia’s new K4. These might not carry the same prestige badge, but in real-world terms they’re often more rewarding to own and live with, plus they’ll likely cost you less in the long run. The only real trump card the CLA has here is the Mercedes badge on the bonnet and the image that comes with it. But let’s be honest — if you’re considering a car like this, you’re probably smart enough not to fall for marketing and badge appeal alone.
And what about the CLA 35 AMG? Well, same story really — we wouldn’t recommend one. They’re the worst for depreciation, they suffer from the same long list of potential issues as the rest of the range, ownership costs are still eye-wateringly high, and while they’ve got more performance than you’ll ever realistically need on the road, they’ll always feel like the diet AMG of the family. That nagging voice in the back of your head will keep whispering “should’ve gone the 45.” Tempting as the CLA 35 might be, we’d be extremely cautious.
Which brings us to the CLA 45 S AMG, the full-fat one. Now on paper, this is the dream: a four-door coupé with supercar-chasing performance, everyday usability and some of the best engineering AMG has ever produced in a four-cylinder. The problem is how these cars are usually bought and used. So many of them have been snapped up on lease deals by owners who never planned on keeping them beyond a few years. That means servicing and maintenance might have been pushed back, or corners cut, because “it’s not my problem after the lease.” And when you’re dealing with a car as brutally fast and highly strung as the CLA 45 S, poor ownership history is basically a time bomb for the next owner.
Do you want to be the unlucky second or third owner stuck footing the bill for someone else’s neglect? No, we didn’t think so either.
That being said, if you do stumble across a CLA 45 S that’s clearly been cared for, serviced ahead of schedule and owned by someone who genuinely loved and respected the car — ideally a mature-aged enthusiast rather than someone who’s been bouncing it off the limiter every Saturday night — then it can be an incredible buy. Yes, the maintenance costs are ridiculous, and yes, depreciation isn’t going to stop anytime soon, but you’re getting something very close to a practical supercar. And honestly, that’s something everyone should experience at least once.
But if the car in question doesn’t tick those boxes, or if you’re not in a position to absorb the ongoing costs and risks, then the smart money is on something else. Something more sensible, less high-maintenance, and less likely to turn into a financial black hole.
Should you buy it?
Should you buy a used Mercedes-Benz CLA?
When it comes to the lower-spec CLAs — the CLA 200 and CLA 250 — honestly, no, we don’t think you should. For the money these still fetch on the used market, there are plenty of other options that will not only cost less to buy but will generally give you more car for your cash. We’re talking about better build quality, stronger reliability records, cheaper servicing and parts, and the bonus of holding their value more effectively over time.
If you’re shopping in CLA 200 or 250 territory, you owe it to yourself to check out the top-spec versions of the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3 sedan, Hyundai’s i30 sedan and even Kia’s new K4. These might not carry the same prestige badge, but in real-world terms they’re often more rewarding to own and live with, plus they’ll likely cost you less in the long run. The only real trump card the CLA has here is the Mercedes badge on the bonnet and the image that comes with it. But let’s be honest — if you’re considering a car like this, you’re probably smart enough not to fall for marketing and badge appeal alone.
And what about the CLA 35 AMG? Well, same story really — we wouldn’t recommend one. They’re the worst for depreciation, they suffer from the same long list of potential issues as the rest of the range, ownership costs are still eye-wateringly high, and while they’ve got more performance than you’ll ever realistically need on the road, they’ll always feel like the diet AMG of the family. That nagging voice in the back of your head will keep whispering “should’ve gone the 45.” Tempting as the CLA 35 might be, we’d be extremely cautious.
Which brings us to the CLA 45 S AMG, the full-fat one. Now on paper, this is the dream: a four-door coupé with supercar-chasing performance, everyday usability and some of the best engineering AMG has ever produced in a four-cylinder. The problem is how these cars are usually bought and used. So many of them have been snapped up on lease deals by owners who never planned on keeping them beyond a few years. That means servicing and maintenance might have been pushed back, or corners cut, because “it’s not my problem after the lease.” And when you’re dealing with a car as brutally fast and highly strung as the CLA 45 S, poor ownership history is basically a time bomb for the next owner.
Do you want to be the unlucky second or third owner stuck footing the bill for someone else’s neglect? No, we didn’t think so either.
That being said, if you do stumble across a CLA 45 S that’s clearly been cared for, serviced ahead of schedule and owned by someone who genuinely loved and respected the car — ideally a mature-aged enthusiast rather than someone who’s been bouncing it off the limiter every Saturday night — then it can be an incredible buy. Yes, the maintenance costs are ridiculous, and yes, depreciation isn’t going to stop anytime soon, but you’re getting something very close to a practical supercar. And honestly, that’s something everyone should experience at least once.
But if the car in question doesn’t tick those boxes, or if you’re not in a position to absorb the ongoing costs and risks, then the smart money is on something else. Something more sensible, less high-maintenance, and less likely to turn into a financial black hole.
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Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of September 05, 2025.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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