MERCEDES 208 D (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 71 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
71
Avg Mileage
109,694 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1990 MERCEDES 208 D reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 34 years old, 75% of MERCEDES 208 Ds from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 71 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,694 miles.
How does the 1990 MERCEDES 208 D compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 MERCEDES 208 D has 109,694 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES 208 D?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 61%. The 1990 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1990 MERCEDES 208 D cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES 208 D by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 208 D?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 MERCEDES 208 D
The 1990 MERCEDES 208 D is a large car with a 2300cc diesel engine. 71 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 109,694 miles at 34 years old, MERCEDES 208 D owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1990 MERCEDES 208 D Fuel Costs
The 2300cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1990 MERCEDES 208 D?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 208 D Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES 208 Ds show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 MERCEDES 208 D
At 34 years old, the MERCEDES 208 D 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 78%. Note: with only 71 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 MERCEDES 208 D
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1991) 76% pass rate (+1%) from 5,265 tests
- TALBOT EXPRESS (1992) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 2,499 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1992) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 2,260 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1992) 68% pass rate (-7%) from 1,165 tests