MERCEDES 208 D (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 80 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
80
Avg Mileage
90,995 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1991 MERCEDES 208 D reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 33 years old, 69% of MERCEDES 208 Ds from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 80 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 90,995 miles.
How does the 1991 MERCEDES 208 D compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 MERCEDES 208 D has 90,995 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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 1991 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1991 MERCEDES 208 D 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 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 1991 MERCEDES 208 D
The 1991 MERCEDES 208 D is a large car with a 2300cc diesel engine. 80 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1991 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 90,995 miles at 33 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.
1991 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 1991 MERCEDES 208 D?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1991 MERCEDES 208 D
At 33 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 80 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 MERCEDES 208 D
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1991) 76% pass rate (+7%) from 5,265 tests
- TALBOT EXPRESS (1993) 66% pass rate (-3%) from 2,567 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1992) 70% pass rate (+1%) from 2,260 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1992) 68% pass rate (-1%) from 1,165 tests