Used Mercedes GLA cars for sale

How buying a used car through carwow works

Find a car

Use carwow to browse and compare used vehicles, advertised by a network of trusted dealers. You can search by make and model, or apply filters to find the perfect car for you.

Contact the dealer

Once you’ve found a car you’d like to buy, you can contact the dealer to arrange the next steps, whether that’s asking a question or taking it for a test drive.

Buy the car

When you’re happy to buy, you can do so at a fixed price, safe in the knowledge all models sold through carwow are mechanically checked and come with a warranty.

Used Mercedes GLA pros and cons

Infotainment system is great
Similar cars have bigger boots
Interior design is stylish
Smartphone mirroring not standard
Spacious back seats
Fake exterior bits look cheap

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Is a used Mercedes GLA a good car?

The Mercedes GLA is the smallest SUV in the firm’s range – it’s based on the A-Class hatchback but has chunky SUV proportions. It has premium details to go with the jacked-up proportions, giving it high-end family car appeal.

Inside it feels very modern, with its twin-screen infotainment setup that gets Mercedes’ excellent MBUX software. You can use the touchscreen, touchpad in the centre console or voice commands to control it, and some models even get augmented reality sat-nav.

On the downside, earlier entry-level models (around 2020) didn’t get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, which is a great addition to have, so check if this is present.

If practicality is key, you might also find the GLA’s boot disappointing, because it’s a bit smaller than what you get in a BMW X1 or Audi Q3.

There’s a good range of engines, with petrol, diesels and even a plug-in hybrid available, which will provide low running costs if you can keep the batteries charged. Whatever engine you go for, the GLA feels light and easy to manoeuvre in town as well as quiet and relaxing on the motorway.

Overall, the Mercedes GLA is a smart, upmarket SUV that’s easy to drive, but it’s let down a bit by practicality.

What to look for when buying a second hand Mercedes GLA

The second generation Mercedes GLA hasn’t been on sale too long so it’s difficult to give a definitive view of its reliability. However, its predecessor had a fairly average reputation for reliability, with one of the main complaints being that repairs can be pricey. That’s one of the problems with buying any premium car.

Looking at the old model, there are very few recurring issues, but rather a wide variety of smaller problems cropping up. Many of these relate to the engine and the electrics, though, so when testing a car make sure to look out for any warning lights on the dashboard.

You should also test drive the car and if there are any signs of the engine struggling to make power, you’re better off walking away.

Otherwise, just do all the usual used car checks, such as looking over the bodywork and interior for damage as well as the alloy wheels. Also look for cars that have a good service history and a clear MOT history.

Mercedes GLA FAQs

Is the Mercedes GLA a luxury car?

While the Mercedes GLA is a nice, premium car, calling it ‘luxury’ might be pushing it a bit. That said, it has a lovely interior that’s well put together.

Is the Mercedes GLA 4-wheel drive?

The Mercedes GLA is available with four-wheel drive, you just have to look for the 4Matic name. Most examples you’ll find in the used market are front-wheel drive, though, because they are less expensive when new and more economical.

Is the Mercedes GLA reliable?

The Mercedes GLA is fairly reliable, with most ownership surveys ranking it just below average for its class. The Audi Q2 is a more reliable premium SUV that’s a similar size.