Used Mercedes-Benz CLA for sale nearSouthend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,250
Average Price: Around £19,000

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stylish and eye-catching design	The ride is too firm
High-quality cabin	Sleek looks compromise practicality
Solid reputation for reliability	Uninvolving to drive

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) is a stylish, compact saloon that combines distinctive four-door coupe styling with a premium cabin feel. Originally launched to attract younger, style-conscious buyers to the Mercedes-Benz brand, the CLA offers a more glamorous alternative to mainstream family cars. The swooping roofline and sleek proportions give it a distinctive appearance that still looks appealing today. Mercedes-Benz also introduced the CLA Shooting Brake, which adds extra practicality without sacrificing the car's stylish appeal, offering 495 litres of boot space compared to the saloon's 470 litres.

The CLA prioritises style and premium feel over outright practicality and driving engagement. Rear headroom is compromised by the low roofline, and rear-seat access is tighter than in more conventional rivals. However, the cabin feels far more upmarket than most similarly priced competitors, with generous standard equipment including dual-zone climate control, cruise control, parking sensors and part-leather upholstery. The engine range spans economical four-cylinder diesels to high-performance AMG variants, with diesel versions offering impressive efficiency—the CLA 180d BlueEfficiency officially returned over 70mpg. Running costs are reasonable, particularly with independent Mercedes specialists, and the CLA has a solid reliability record.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a premium, distinctive compact saloon or estate, those wanting a glamorous alternative to mainstream family cars, and buyers prioritising image and cabin quality over practicality.

Not ideal for: Buyers needing maximum rear-seat space and practicality, those seeking an engaging driving experience, or those sensitive to firm ride quality on larger alloy wheels.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CLA if: You're seeking a stylish, distinctive compact saloon or estate with a premium cabin, prioritise image and design over practicality, or want a glamorous alternative to mainstream family cars.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear-seat space and practicality, desire an engaging driving experience, or are sensitive to firm ride quality on larger alloy wheels.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) stands out in the compact premium segment for its distinctive styling and high-quality cabin, offering a more glamorous feel than most similarly priced rivals. Whilst it may not match the BMW 1 Series for driving engagement or offer the practicality of the Volvo V40, the CLA's premium badge, stylish design and solid reliability make it an appealing choice for buyers prioritising aesthetics and cabin quality. The CLA Shooting Brake variant particularly appeals to those seeking style without completely sacrificing practicality. With reasonable running costs and a wide engine range, it represents a compelling used buy for style-conscious buyers.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.