Quirky and Rare: Doug DeMuro's Restored 1998 Mercedes-Benz A140 for Sale on Cars and Bids

Doug DeMuro, the man with an eye for the peculiar, is bidding farewell to his 1998 Mercedes-Benz A140. This little gem, never officially sold in North America, has been Doug's novelty ride for the past six months. But now, he's ready to part ways with the A-Class and has put it up for auction on Cars and Bids.

Let's dive into the reasons behind this decision. While Doug initially found the A-Class to be cool and distinctive, he soon discovered that its charm was skin-deep. This Mercedes may look funky with its wedge-shaped front and triangular window design, but it falls flat in terms of performance. It's slow, unexciting, and lacks the quirky driving experience Doug was hoping for. European naysayers were right all along - this car is just trash.

But fear not, dear enthusiasts, for there is some good news amidst the disappointment. Firstly, the A-Class is already in the United States, so if you're in the market for something quirky and eye-catching, the hard part is already done for you. Secondly, despite its lackluster driving experience, Doug has poured a staggering amount of time and money into making this A-Class the best of its kind. With extensive cosmetic and mechanical work, it now stands as the nicest A-Class on Earth. So, if you're looking for a conversation starter at Cars and Coffee, this little Mercedes might just be the ticket.

However, before you get too excited, let's address the elephant in the room - the driving experience. The A-Class may be slow, but it's surprisingly smooth and stable at highway speeds. It's reasonably comfortable and boasts a small size that makes parking a breeze. But don't let that fool you; this car suffers from understeer and vague clutch and shifter feel. It's far from a luxury car, but it's not as rough as one might expect.

In conclusion, Doug DeMuro's farewell drive in the A-Class is a bittersweet affair. While the car may have its flaws, it's undeniably unique and has been meticulously cared for. If you're in the market for a quirky conversation piece and don't mind sacrificing performance, this might just be the car for you. But for Doug, it's time to bid adieu to this peculiar Mercedes and move on to his next automotive adventure.