Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| A3 | CLA-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Electricity |
| Fuel economy | 28.0 mpg | 29.0 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ emissions | 323 g/mi | 298 g/mi–378 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2020 Audi A3 with the 2.0T engine commonly develops cracks in the plastic water pump and thermostat housing, causing coolant loss and overheating. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, puddles under the car, a low coolant warning, and a rising temperature gauge. If ignored, this can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket.
The 2021-2024 Audi A3 MIB 3 infotainment system can freeze, go black, or lose the rearview camera image due to software and hardware defects. Symptoms include a blank touchscreen, audio loss, constant Bluetooth disconnects, and a 'Camera System Unavailable' error. This can temporarily disable the required backup camera, creating a safety risk when reversing.
The optional panoramic sunroof on the 2021-2025 Audi A3 can develop frame flex, seal issues, and clogged drain tubes, leading to creaking, rattling, wind noise, and water intrusion. Symptoms include popping noises over bumps, damp headliners, and wet carpets near the A-pillars. If left unrepaired, water can reach electronic modules under the seats and cause electrical failures.
The 2021-2023 Audi A3 can suffer chronic 12V battery drain because the telematics or gateway module stays active after the car is locked. Symptoms include failure to start after 24-48 hours, low battery warnings, and the infotainment system resetting. This can leave the driver stranded and prematurely degrade the battery.
Affected years include 2021-2024 CLA 250, 250 4MATIC, and AMG 35/45 variants with the EQ Boost belt starter-generator. Watch for intermittent 48V electrical warnings, loss of mild-hybrid assist, rough start-stop behavior, and a generator warning light. The BSG belt pulley can detach and damage nearby parts, and the engine may fail to restart after auto stop-start. Inspect stored 48V fault codes and BSG belt condition on any used CLA.
Affected models include 2019-2023 CLA 250 and 2019-2023 AMG CLA 35/45 with the 7G-DCT or 8G-DCT. Look for harsh first-to-second gear engagement, clunking when slowing, delayed Reverse, and intermittent Transmission Malfunction messages. A documented TCU software update addressed shift quality, but without correction the mechatronic unit and clutch pack can wear prematurely. Ask the seller whether TSB LI-27.70-P-068727 was performed.
All 2020-2024 C118 CLA models with MBUX NTG 6.0 are affected. Symptoms include black-screen boot loops, Bluetooth drops, failed OTA updates, ghost touch, and an unresponsive touchscreen. Firmware updates reduced but did not fully solve the issue, and the H6 head unit sometimes must be replaced. Check the MBUX software version and whether any field service action or warranty repair has been completed.
Affected vehicles include 2019-2024 CLA 250 and AMG CLA 35/45, especially in winter-salt climates or with low annual mileage. Inspect the front discs for rust ridges, listen for squeal on light braking, and look for pedal vibration or judder after rain exposure. Low-metallic performance pads and disc corrosion cause premature noise and uneven pad transfer. The usual correction is disc and pad replacement per axle.
Affected cars include 2019-2024 C118 CLA models with the optional panoramic sunroof. Look for creaking or rattling from the roof frame over uneven pavement, damp headliner, or water in the footwells after heavy rain. Clogged drain tubes and failed headliner clips are the main causes, and advanced water intrusion can corrode electrical connectors under the seats. Clear the front drains and check roof panel alignment during inspection.
Affected vehicles use the M260 engine and include 2019-2022 CLA 250 models. Signs include long cranking, intermittent no-start, low-speed stalling, or a fuel smell. The fuel tank delivery module can fail and cut fuel pressure, causing sudden loss of power while driving. Check whether NHTSA recall 22V437 was performed and inspect for stored fuel-pressure codes before purchase.
Affected variants are 2020-2024 AMG CLA 45 and CLA 45 S with the M139 engine. Look for oil consumption around one liter every 1,500-2,000 km, blue smoke on cold start, and oil weeping around PCV or intercooler connections. The PCV system can fail, leading to turbo oil starvation, intercooler contamination, and catalyst damage. Ask for oil consumption history and whether updated PCV components were installed.
Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
The models use different powertrains: A3 — Gasoline; CLA-Class — Electricity. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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