The last time we saw panel gap issues (that I know of) from Merc, was on the M class when it was first introduced. Fortunately they of course rectified it. My quiet concern with the CLA is the same concern I have whenever something brand spanking new comes to market, be it the first iPhone, the CLA, etc., and that is the overarching problem of "first year of release" models having a "beta" or "release" candidate" taste to them.
They invariably still need a few tweaks. I suspect these panel gap issues will disappear on the 2015 models at the outside latest. Merc may roll their eyes at suggestions of a sub-30k Merc sullying the brand, but they certainly won't sit idle if their build quality reputation has a ***** in its armor.
The silver lining in all of this? We may luck out, since we're looking at the GLA. The CLA is so similar that it may take the bullet for the GLA's own "release candidate" taste. In other words, if they fix this panel issue on the CLA before the GLA is released, I don't see the problem suddenly resurrecting itself on the GLA. Merc will take what they learn from the CLA (and A Class), and apply it to all Merc cars using the A platform.
I haven't said this, but from the start I've actually considered waiting until the second model year before looking into purchasing a GLA. I do this with everything: TV's, phones, etc.. First year buyers are beta testers, whether they or the company wish to admit it or not.
They invariably still need a few tweaks. I suspect these panel gap issues will disappear on the 2015 models at the outside latest. Merc may roll their eyes at suggestions of a sub-30k Merc sullying the brand, but they certainly won't sit idle if their build quality reputation has a ***** in its armor.
The silver lining in all of this? We may luck out, since we're looking at the GLA. The CLA is so similar that it may take the bullet for the GLA's own "release candidate" taste. In other words, if they fix this panel issue on the CLA before the GLA is released, I don't see the problem suddenly resurrecting itself on the GLA. Merc will take what they learn from the CLA (and A Class), and apply it to all Merc cars using the A platform.
I haven't said this, but from the start I've actually considered waiting until the second model year before looking into purchasing a GLA. I do this with everything: TV's, phones, etc.. First year buyers are beta testers, whether they or the company wish to admit it or not.
