Used Mercedes GLA 2014-2020 reliability review

The first-generation GLA looks appealing, and it'sa fairly cheap used buy, but some rivals are better to drive

What should I look for in a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Despite the GLA's rugged bodywork, it’s still a good idea to check its extremities for scuffs. It’s unlikely to have been used off road, even the four-wheel drive versions, but it's worth a cursory glance at the undersides just to make sure there’s no damage there. Also check the alloy wheels for any kerb damage.

Inspect the interior for any damaged leather or scuffed plastics. Also make sure all the electrics work as they should.

Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?

Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present

The GLA put in an impressive performance in our 2023 used car reliability survey. A score of 94.1% put it in third place in our most reliable used family SUV category.

Mercedes fared less well in our rundown of the most reliable used car brands, however. A 75.1% score put it in 27th place out of 30.

Page 3 of 5

Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present

Tips & Advice

Used cars available now

In partnership with
AutoTrader logo
Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.3 GLA200 Sport 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

1.3 GLA200 Sport 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,509

Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition (Premium) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition (Premium) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,971

Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,995

Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.3 GLA180 AMG Line 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

1.3 GLA180 AMG Line 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,509

Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

RRP £39,200

£16,699

Mercedes-Benz GLA CLASS 1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition (Premium) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA CLASS

1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition (Premium) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

RRP £40,700

£16,700

Mercedes-Benz GLA 2.0 GLA200d AMG Line (Executive) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

2.0 GLA200d AMG Line (Executive) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,795

Mercedes-Benz 180 2.0 GLA200d Sport (Executive) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz 180

2.0 GLA200d Sport (Executive) 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

RRP £36,100

£16,980

Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Mercedes-Benz GLA

1.3 GLA250e 15.6kWh Exclusive Edition 8G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,995

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

Follow Stuart Milne on

Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

News & Advice

Sponsored

What Car? Reliability Survey: Most and least reliable family SUVs

In our annual Reliability Survey, we ask readers to rate the dependability of cars aged up to five years old. Here we list the most and least reliable family SUVs in the UK

Slideshow
Audi Q3 most reliable used SUVs header

20 most reliable used SUVs

There are all sorts of secondhand SUVs to choose from, but not all of them will be a joy to live with. To help you choose the best, we round-up the 20 SUVs least likely to let you down

Sponsored

Most and least reliable used cars: family SUVs

We name the most dependable – and most troublesome – used cars aged from six to 20 years old, based on owners’ experiences

Slideshow
Volvo XC40 Recharge with Target Price logo

Every brand's cheapest electric car on PCP finance

From Audi to Volvo, we name every brand's cheapest electric car on a PCP finance deal – with monthly payments starting from £252 per month

See all latest advice