2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · FX64 KVM

The 1.5-litre diesel A-Class typically returns around 55-65 mpg in mixed driving, with CO2 emissions of around 102 g/km placing it in VED band B, costing approximately £20 per year in road tax after the first year. Insurance for a 2014 A-Class diesel usually falls within groups 15-20 depending on specification, so expect premiums in the £450-£650 range for an average UK driver. Routine maintenance on Mercedes-Benz vehicles tends to be more expensive than mainstream marques, with a typical interim service costing £150-£200 and a full service £250-£350 at a specialist or franchised dealer.

Brake and tyre replacements noted in the recent MOT history are likely to be the most pressing costs in the near term. Front and rear brake pads and rear brake discs are all flagged as wearing thin or pitted, so a complete brake refresh including discs and pads at both axles could cost £350-£500 at an independent specialist. The replacement of two front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers is a smaller job, typically £60-£120 including parts and labour. Allowing for fuel, tax, insurance, maintenance and the likely immediate remedial work, estimated annual running costs are in the region of £2,200-£2,800.

Begin with a thorough inspection of the braking system, as the MOT history shows repeated mention of front and rear brake pad wear across the 2024 and 2025 tests, along with pitted rear brake discs. Physically inspect pad thickness and disc condition through the wheels, and check for any brake fluid leaks or worn brake lines. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault that caused the August 2025 failure is particularly important — this must be checked by plugging the car into a Mercedes-compatible diagnostic tool (such as STAR Diagnosis or an equivalent) to read any stored fault codes. Simply clearing the warning light without repair is unlikely to constitute a permanent fix.

Tyres deserve close attention, particularly the offside rear which was recorded as worn close to the legal limit and on edge in the most recent test. Edge wear often points to misalignment, worn suspension bushes or worn shock absorbers, so a geometry check and visual inspection of the suspension components are worthwhile. The nearside rear tyre has also been flagged for damage and cracking/perishing on multiple occasions, so inspect the sidewalls carefully for signs of ageing, even if tread depth appears acceptable.

General inspection points for a 2014 A-Class diesel include checking the exhaust and emissions system for DPF issues, which are common on this model if predominantly used for short journeys. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard, particularly the DPF, engine management and glow plug lights. Verify that all electrical features work correctly, including the infotainment screen, climate control and central locking, as electrical gremlins can develop on this generation of A-Class. Finally, inspect for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, and check the timing belt or chain service interval depending on the engine variant.