Mercedes A250 Vs VW Golf R - Another damned what car to buy thread.

[ExtraSlow]

Not for me, but I figure beyond knows about this stuff. If it was up to me I'd just tell em to buy a 200,000km pickup . . . .

A friend of a friend is looking at the 2019 Mercedes A250 4matic with Premium and Night packages. That has MSRP of about $43,500 and they have been quoted an out the door price of $47,500. There's some kind of discount in there apparently.
I was thinking if that was the price range, a VW Golf R was about the same price and probably a better value. Hell a Golf GTI is even better value and I'd suspect this person wouldn't notice the performance difference. My impression is that they aren't the type to drive at 10/10ths, but I digress . . .

What say you? What else is comparable and worth a look. Guessing out the door under $50k is a hard limit,

[Buster]

I sat in the a250 briefly yesterday when my car was in for service. I was impressed with the interior, which was expected. It's certainly a lot (LOT!) nicer than the current Golf offering. If it's a driving thing, probably the R. But if they aren't Car Enthusiasts (tm), then I would say go Merc.

[killramos]

I think you answered your own question.

I am sure its a great car, but no way i would pay 44k for one. But then again every car on the market is going for crack money these days...

I think with 400HP in the A45 its a better value proposition as it cleanly positions itself as a premium product to the Golf with better performance to boot.

[ExtraSlow]

Do they even sell the a43 here?

[killramos]

No a43 anywhere. A35 and A45 should be coming though. Takes time.

[shakalaka]

Golf R for sure. But of course cause of the driving aspect which would be many times better than the A250. Of course no personal experience with the Merc, but having driven the GTI that's older, I can imagine how awesome a new R would be.

[max_boost]

Not for me,

What say you?

You like the attention :D

But so do I :D

And VW Golf. :thumbsup:

[ExtraSlow]

You like the attention :D

But so do I :D true and true.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[GTI1671]

I keep hearing the Golf R isn't as good as the GTi

My vote is for the Mercedes... we aren't young anymore, get a comfortable car! haha

Because Haldex problem, be changing Haldex fluids quicker than DSG. GTI Rabbit Edition....

[Xtrema]

A250 is basically a GTI with 4 wheel drive. So unless you really like the MBUX and potentially have 3 services included (seems like at that price it isn't), I would take GTI over A250. Also, I still have reservation on the torsion beam rear of A250.

A35 and A45 is where bang for $ is. Be interested to see what's in the A45 since I have seen teaser video of it drifting.

[ExtraSlow]

No a43 anywhere. A35 and A45 should be coming though. Takes time.
Okay, for this buyer they are making a choice in the next week or two. Let's stick to cars that are already available for purchase in Calgary.

Unless that A35 is available, I get confused on the MB website.

[Xtrema]

Okay, for this buyer they are making a choice in the next week or two. Let's stick to cars that are already available for purchase in Calgary.

Unless that A35 is available, I get confused on the MB website.

No it's not yet.

Bling: A250
Driving Dynamics : Golf R.

[ExtraSlow]

So for an enthusiast, the Golf R, and for a typical asian chick, the A250? is that about right?

Too bad BMW doesn't sell the 1M series here, that thing looks great, although probably too expensive for this comparison.

[bjstare]

They aren't a big car enthusiast, this isn't even a debate - the answer is A250. The only thing the golf R offers that the a250 doesn't is more speed and a better drive.

And all you guys that suggested the A45, thank you. This wouldn't be a what to buy thread if there wasn't suggestions that were 40% over the budget, and not even available yet :rofl:

[killramos]

I feel like if golf r is in the same breath you should at least compare to similar performance oriented versions.

Also way more interesting topic of conversation.

[speedog]

They aren't a big car enthusiast, this isn't even a debate - the answer is A250. The only thing the golf R offers that the a250 doesn't is more speed and a better drive.

And all you guys that suggested the A45, thank you. This wouldn't be a what to buy thread if there wasn't suggestions that were 40% over the budget, and not even available yet :rofl:

But derailing threads is what beyond's all about, no?

[rage2]

The A250 interior is damn nice in this segment. Nothing touches it. I’m jealous of MBUX.

[Mitsu3000gt]

That is the same money as a CTR if that interests him. As comfortable as a normal civic when he wants it to be as well. It's a lot more fun than the Golf R IMHO, but I have not driven the new A-class yet. It would probably hold it's value the best of the 3 as well. Worth a look at the very least.

I didn't know the new A's were here - I will have to go check one out. A43 would be VERY interesting to me but I fear it will be $50-60K.

[Buster]

That is the same money as a CTR if that interests him. As comfortable as a normal civic when he wants it to be as well. It's a lot more fun than the Golf R IMHO, but I have not driven the new A-class yet. It would probably hold it's value the best of the 3 as well. Worth a look at the very least.

I didn't know the new A's were here - I will have to go check one out. A43 would be VERY interesting to me but I fear it will be $50-60K.

There will be no A43. And the A45 will be a lot more than 60k.

[Mitsu3000gt]

There will be no A43. And the A45 will be a lot more than 60k.

I mean't A35, sorry - whatever the "half way to real AMG" model will be. Like the C43/E43 equivalent.

[max_boost]

But derailing threads is what beyond's all about, no?

Ya and watch they end up buying a CRV or something else basic instead

[Redlined_8000]

The Golf R is the better buy I can say that in confidence.

If they arent an enthusiast though. Let them buy the A250.

[ercchry]

I bet the A250 leases out better than the golf R

[Buster]

The Golf R is the better buy I can say that in confidence.

If they arent an enthusiast though. Let them buy the A250.

not really.

The R is pricey for older tech.

[RX_EVOLV]

Keep in mind the Golf R is a pretty basic car. It doesn't have a sunroof and the passenger seat isn't even powered.

That said I loved my MK7 Golf R. It was SO much fun to drive and so cheap to maintain. Less than $1000 after 3 years fully serviced at the dealership (maybe this is not that cheap but I'm used to Infiniti/Merc/Lexus service schedules). Also only took a 26% depreciation after 37 months of ownership when I sold it last year. I think it worked out to be ~$260/month so it ended up being the most inexpensive car I ever owned.

IMO no brainer Golf R > A250

[Aleks]

Genesis G70 2.0T Elite AWD is right around 50k all in with tax/fees. If they are not enthusiasts they may appreciate home delivery/servicing etc.

[ExtraSlow]

Genesis G70 2.0T Elite AWD is right around 50k all in with tax/fees. If they are not enthusiasts they may appreciate home delivery/servicing etc.
That is an interesting option. For me, that would be a lot more appealing than the A250, I will mention it.

[msommers]

My gut says they went and got this particular Merc priced out simply because they want to say they own a Merc.

So let them go buy what they want.

[Buster]

My gut says they went and got this particular Merc priced out simply because they want to say they own a Merc.

So let them go buy what they want.

Beyond members in spirit!

[rage2]

If they’re chasing performance, Golf R. If they’re chasing luxury, A250. Unfair to compare the G70 right now as the A250’s new interior is that much nicer with all the new lighting, stitching over basic materials, as well as the big touchscreen.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I'm surprised at some of the option prices in the A250. Only $250 for a heated steering wheel and $700 for the Burmester sound system - those are no-brainers.

They make up for it though by offering individual features, but when you click on them - "you must also add X package that costs way more" haha.

Any idea what the A35 will cost?

[benyl]

I would expect $7.5K-$10K more.

[jaylo]

Until Jan. 31 you get $8,500 winter credits on CASH purchase for this type of Q60:

[Buster]

I would expect $7.5K-$10K more.

You might be right...although I wouldn't be surprised if it was less. These pseudo-AMGs (ie anything with a -43) tend to not see a big premium.

The A45 will certainly be a wallet killer though.

[benyl]

I would expect the A45 to be $20-$25K more than the A250.

The 53 version of the cars seem to be pricey. It feels like MB is going with half the models under Benz and half under AMG.

[Buster]

I would expect the A45 to be $20-$25K more than the A250.

The 53 version of the cars seem to be pricey. It feels like MB is going with half the models under Benz and half under AMG.

Maybe. The premium in the current generation is less than $15k (on the GLA). So that would be more my expectation.