MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS (1998-04) A160L 5DR HATCHBACK 1.6 ELEGANCE AUTO LWB
The MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS (1998-04) A160L 5DR HATCHBACK 1.6 ELEGANCE AUTO LWB is a practical and stylish compact hatchback designed for urban driving and everyday convenience. As part of Mercedes-Benz’s early A-Class range, this vehicle combines the brand’s premium reputation with a versatile door-hatch layout, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers, small families, or first-time drivers seeking a reliable and comfortable car. Its long-wheelbase (LWB) version provides additional cabin space, enhancing passenger comfort for longer journeys, while the automatic transmission adds ease of driving in stop-and-go traffic.
What sets the A160L apart is its notable build quality, elegant design, and reasonable fuel economy—traits that have made it a popular choice among used car buyers in the UK. With an average of around 73 different VINs recorded and a typical private sale valuation of approximately £775, this model remains an accessible entry into Mercedes-Benz’s legacy of durability and comfort. It’s often praised for its sturdy construction, smooth driving experience, and practicality, making it suitable for daily commutes, local errands, or small family use. Compared to its rivals, the A-Class (1998-04) A160L stands out for being a cost-effective, reliable option that offers a touch of luxury in the compact hatchback segment. If you’re considering a stylish, well-built used car that balances affordability and quality, this Mercedes-Benz model is definitely worth a closer look.
average use
The most recent mileage data for the Mercedes-Benz A Class (1998-04) A160L 5DR Hatchback indicates a diverse distribution across different mileage ranges. Notably, the majority of vehicles fall into the lower and higher mileage categories, with 17.8% between 80,000 and 90,000 miles and 15.1% both between 0-10,000 miles and 50,000-60,000 miles. There are relatively small proportions in the mid-range mileage brackets, such as 30,000-40,000 miles and 110,000-120,000 miles, each at around 1.4%. This suggests a broad spread, with a notable concentration of vehicles either relatively new or with higher mileage, which could be useful for assessing vehicle value or wear patterns.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the vast majority of private sale prices for the Mercedes-Benz A Class (1998-04) A160L 5DR Hatchback 1.6 Elegance Auto LWB are concentrated in the under £1,000 range, accounting for approximately 97.3% of transactions. Only a small fraction, about 2.7%, are valued between £1,000 and £2,000. This suggests that most vehicles of this model and age are valued quite low in the private sale market, likely reflecting their age, condition, and market demand.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the Mercedes-Benz A Class (1998-04) A160L 5DR Hatchback 1.6 Elegance Auto LWB vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2003, accounting for approximately 90% of the sample, with roughly 28.8% each for 2002 and 2001, and about 32.9% for 2003. A smaller proportion, around 9.6%, were manufactured in 2004. This suggests that most of these vehicles in the dataset are from the early 2000s, with a significant concentration around 2001 to 2003, indicating higher model availability or popularity in those years.
colour popularity
The data indicates that the most common paint colour for the Mercedes-Benz A Class (1998-04) A160L 5DR Hatchback 1.6 Elegance Auto LWB is silver, accounting for approximately 46.6% of vehicles. This is followed by blue, at 27.4%, making it the second most popular colour. Other colours are less prevalent, with grey at 9.6%, red at 9.6%, black at 5.5%, and green at 1.4%. The prominence of silver and blue suggests these colours were particularly favored among owners of this model during that period.
ownership cycle
The data shows the distribution of registered keepers for the Mercedes-Benz A Class (1998-04) A160L 5DR Hatchback 1.6 Elegance Auto LWB. Notably, the most common number of keepers is three (16.4%) and four (also 16.4%), indicating that a significant portion of these vehicles have had multiple owners. The range of ownership is quite broad, with some vehicles having as few as one keeper (2.7%) and others as many as fourteen (1.4%), suggesting a varied history and level of ownership stability across the sample. This diversity in ownership history offers valuable insights for potential buyers regarding vehicle longevity and usage patterns.
engine choices
The data indicates that all vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz A Class (1998-04) A160L 5DR Hatchback 1.6 Elegance Auto LWB in this sample are equipped with a 1.6-liter petrol engine. There is complete consistency across the sample, with 100% of the vehicles having an engine capacity of 1.6 liters and using petrol as their primary fuel type. This suggests that these specifications are standard for this particular model and variant.
