Used test: BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A-Class costs

Buying and owning

Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security

When new, the BMW 1 Series was the more expensive car by nearly £1000, and it's a similar story three years later. As a used car, the 1 Series will set you back £21,000, while the Mercedes A-Class commands £20,000. A similar level of depreciation is likely to continue into the future. 

Both cars will cost the same amount to tax every year – £165. To insure, the 1 Series should cost on average £661 because it's in insurance group 23. The A-Class occupies group 18 and should be around £562. We were quoted £310 for a service of the 1 Series, while the A-Class came in at £263 on a fixed-price service plan. 

Fuel economy proved impressive in both cars, with the A-Class returning 52.3mpg and the 1 Series 49.2mpg during our testing. 

You'll get a decent tally of kit with whichever car you choose, including climate control, leather seats (faux leather/faux suede in the A-Class) and 18in alloy wheels. The 1 Series tops that list with heated front seats and power-folding door mirrors, while the A200d throws in tinted rear windows.

Both cars come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance as standard from new. The 1 Series adds traffic-sign recognition. The A-Class has a better Euro NCAP safety rating, though, with higher category scores thanks to better whiplash, chest and pedestrian protection.

In our latest What Car? Reliability Survey the BMW 1 Series finished 10th out of 37 cars in the family car class. The Mercedes A-Class came a disappointing 32nd. As brands, BMW ranked 16th out of 32 brands, while Mercedes managed 23rd. 

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