I am one of those people that second guess every big decision I make. I have bought 28 vehicles in past 30 years. What can I say, I love cars. Now that includes purchasing cars for the wife and kids plus I have always had a fun car. So when my daughter's car suddenly died on her three weeks ago, I gave my daughter my car and needed a new one. I took ten days to look at what I might think I want as my daily driver. It came down to the new 2016 BMW X1 or 2016 GLA. I was not impressed with the BMW and test drove the GLA three different times. I loved the car but being 6'3" the GLA seems a little small. After working on a deal, I decided to leased the GLA. I have owned it for two weeks and it is great around town however I am working on a project the next two years out of town so I have three hour drive two times per week. After driving it four times, I notice my back and legs ache. So in showing a guy at work my new car yesterday he asked me why I did not buy the new GLC, it's a bit larger and a base model would be around the same price. So after checking around dealers locally, I found a GLC for $1,800 more than I paid for my GLA. So now my head hurts and I wonder why I did not look into things better, only blaming myself. I never saw and heard of a GLC. Looking online the GLA looks much sporty, more like a sports car than GLC looks like a station wagon. However looking on the MB website the GLC interior does seem like it's more luxury styling. So do I deal with my craziness in my head for the next couple years and deal with my long drives or try to work a deal to get a GLC which will cost me thousands? Which asking everyone's option, I know there is really no right answer. Sorry for the long post but thanks for taking the time to read it. Take care, Frank
Anyone regret their purchase?
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I do not understand why you feel tired in a GLC. Are you sitting correctly? I see a lot of people driving laid back very far from the steering wheel - that is a very bad driving position both from ergonomic and sport driving perspectives.
On MB's SUV family the GLA and the GL are the two extremes. The GLA emphasizes Sport in SUV, whereas the GL emphasizes Utility. Up in the utility range the GLC is more Utility and less Sport. Maybe the GLC is what you need. Talk with your dealer to swap leases or transact your current lease on lease trader.com and get a GLC.
On MB's SUV family the GLA and the GL are the two extremes. The GLA emphasizes Sport in SUV, whereas the GL emphasizes Utility. Up in the utility range the GLC is more Utility and less Sport. Maybe the GLC is what you need. Talk with your dealer to swap leases or transact your current lease on lease trader.com and get a GLC.
Thanks both of you for the reply and some info. I do know the seats have the extension and I have used that on my long drive, it helps some. My seat is not all the way back but is as low as it can go. I think I am just over thinking things. I went out today a test drove a GLC and it is larger for sure but missing the smaller sporty feel. I told the salesman I was looking for the differences between the GLC and GLA. He was really pushing the GLC that it is much more luxury and a higher end vehicle but I got to tell you I like my GLA just as much. The base model GLC with keyless go and heated front seats is $3,000 more then my GLA plus I loose my sunroof, Apple car play and my upgraded stereo system. The GLC to me is a great family car but the GLA is sporty and unique, so I am staying with the GLA. I will be getting something new in a couple years when my lease is up. Maybe the GLC coupe will come out and be that sporty, unique car but for now I am going to imbrace the GLA and enjoy it. Thanks, Frank
having only 600 miles on my GLA250, I do wish I just dropped the money down for a GLA45...thats my only regret but my wife still won't let me do it. I personally didn't like the GLC and was actually looking for a 15' GLK and only 1 dealership nearby had the GLK but it was Bluetec. I drove that and the high end power was nonexistent so being a 80% highway driver, that car wasn't for me, plus it was $11,000 more then my GLA with what i feel had less options.
But in your situation, honestly you have to see what fits you best. Maybe you should look into the LR Evoque or Acura RDX. I thought the RDX was nice and larger then the GLA. I didn't like the X1 either. Hope you grow to love your GLA or at least satisfy yourself and get something that you can keep for awhile.
But in your situation, honestly you have to see what fits you best. Maybe you should look into the LR Evoque or Acura RDX. I thought the RDX was nice and larger then the GLA. I didn't like the X1 either. Hope you grow to love your GLA or at least satisfy yourself and get something that you can keep for awhile.
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As to seat comfort, have you played around with the seat's lumbar support?
You can increase or decrease it and adjust it up or down. It takes some trial and error to get it just right.
You can increase or decrease it and adjust it up or down. It takes some trial and error to get it just right.
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Same here. It took me a while to get the lumbar support right. But, once in place it made the seat much more comfortable. This small button plays a big role.
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I'm 6'-3" also....what I did was lower the seat all the way, then raise the front seat edge until I had good thigh support...now very comfortable plus great lower back support (since my thighs are supported now)...I've taken a couple long trips...7 hours...no back pain at all
Do you regret MB in general, or just the GLA?
i be trollin' trollin' trolling...
GLA I specifically regret, Mercedes I regret in general due to the unresponsiveness of their responses to the GLA's problem. I will never own another one.
As you are new, I will forgive your ignorance.
But to be fair with what you are complaining about and having bashed multiple auto makers for the same "problem" It seems doubtful you would enjoy ownership of any modern vehicle.
It's not only about the vehicle, it is also about the honesty, integrity and credibility of the manufacturer.
But to be fair with what you are complaining about and having bashed multiple auto makers for the same "problem" It seems doubtful you would enjoy ownership of any modern vehicle.
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I don't regret my purchase at all, but I think I am going to move up to a GLC next year. I really like the GLA, love the zippiness, the looks, the hatch style, the mileage, just love it all, but...I need a few more inches of space. Not for me, as I fit just fine even though I'm a bit taller than the OP, but I keep finding that the stuff I carry around like a snowboard or tools or materials keeps winding up an inch or two longer than would fit easily without having to move the seat up.
The other issue is that I keep getting speeding tickets! It seems the state troopers really have a thing for this car. I'm not going any faster than I did on these same routes when I had my C class or my Ford truck, but now I get pulled over or have the cop pull out and follow me for a bit. Weird. Maybe it's just a coincidence.
The other thing that is pushing me to the GLC is the luxury aspect. The GLA is MB's starter benz and the finish and road noise level shows that. I think I'll really miss the sports car aspect once I'm driving the GLC and will be complaining on whatever GLCowners site that I'm thinking of getting a GLA again!
The other issue is that I keep getting speeding tickets! It seems the state troopers really have a thing for this car. I'm not going any faster than I did on these same routes when I had my C class or my Ford truck, but now I get pulled over or have the cop pull out and follow me for a bit. Weird. Maybe it's just a coincidence.
The other thing that is pushing me to the GLC is the luxury aspect. The GLA is MB's starter benz and the finish and road noise level shows that. I think I'll really miss the sports car aspect once I'm driving the GLC and will be complaining on whatever GLCowners site that I'm thinking of getting a GLA again!
Didn't you order yours through the European Delivery Program? Will you do the same for your GLC?
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