MERCEDES 200 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
79
Avg Mileage
147,303 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1990 MERCEDES 200 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 34 years old, 65% of MERCEDES 200s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 147,303 miles.
How does the 1990 MERCEDES 200 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 MERCEDES 200 has 147,303 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES 200?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1990 MERCEDES 200 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES 200 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 200?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 MERCEDES 200
The 1990 MERCEDES 200 is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 147,303 miles at 34 years old, MERCEDES 200 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 MERCEDES 200 Fuel Costs
The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 MERCEDES 200?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MERCEDES 200 Reliability Trend
Older MERCEDES 200s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1990 MERCEDES 200
At 34 years old, the MERCEDES 200 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 MERCEDES 200
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+15%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+19%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+20%) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (+13%) from 1,798 tests