Background
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class hasn't had the easiest of times since it entered the market in 2005. While it may come from a manufacturer that is responsible for a number of major success stories, sometimes the formula just doesn't click with buyers.
On the upside, this makes the B-Class for sale a great used option, because in spite of its limp performance after launch it is actually a very decent car and comes with much of the personality and competence that you would expect from any Mercedes-Benz model.
It launched as a five seater and perhaps struggled to sell because people were confused as to what it was trying to achieve. Next to seven seater mini-MPVs offered at more affordable price points by its rivals, it looked a little lacking.
2008 saw the approved used Mercedes B-Class get a facelift, although it still shared the second-generation A-Class platform. It was replaced outright in 2012 when the touring version of the B-Class arrived.
Bang for your buck
Thesecond hand Mercedes B-Class for sale is not without its clever seating setup, but in this instance it was an optional extra and not a standard feature, so if the new buyer didn't want to spend an extra couple of hundred quid to be able to take out the passenger seats, it won't be found on certain used iterations.
To be honest you'll probably want to avoid any used Mercedes B-Class models which don't have the EasyVario seating, because for practicality this really gives the car a boost.
There is plenty of room in the boot whether or not the seats are in place and there was even the option to ditch the spare tyre to get even more space in the rear. Although your confidence in the use of a puncture repair kid rather than a replacement will determine how appealing you find this feature.
What you'll pay
For an early model used Mercedes B-Class for sale you'll be looking to pay around £5000 on the used market. By this point previous owners will have racked up some serious miles, so make sure this is taken into account by the price.
For the lower mileage examples prices can climb to £6500 or £7000, with the diesel examples being a little more expensive still.
If you're in the market for the B200 Turbo, which has the best performance figures of the range, then you can expect the used prices to be £500 higher than the equivalent aged B170.
What to check
If the Mercedes Benz B-Class is new enough to still be under manufacturer warranty, make sure that the owner has done everything to ensure that it is still eligible for coverage under it. This includes full Mercedes dealer servicing, which is probably something to look for regardless of the age of the example in question.
Damage to the B-Class which is not mechanical but cosmetic can be costly if you want it repaired, so always give used models a good going over to make sure you are aware of any quirks. The interior can take a pummelling if it has been subjected to constant use by a family, while parking damage to the bodywork and wheels is also a common issue.
Parts
£60 and £40 will get you a set of front and rear brake pads respectively. Meanwhile the clutch will cost £195 to replace, with one of the costlier components being the £500 alternator.
How it drives
The basic Mercedes B150 has just 94bhp at its disposal and offers a bog standard 0-60mph time of almost 13 seconds. You might be happier onboard the B170 with its 114bhp and 11 second 0-60mph count, although you will inevitably pay more for the sportier editions.
Frugality comes in the form of the B180 CDI, while there is a B200 CDI for better acceleration and the same basic fuel economy stats.
In terms of handling, the used Mercedes B-Class for sale isn't all that lively or engaging, which is a shame if you're looking for a driver-oriented experience from a Mercedes-Benz. However, from the point of view of family ownership it is difficult to fault and comes with that prestigious badge that can't be matched in terms of credibility, even by fellow German manufacturers like Audi, which does give the B-Class a bit of an edge.
