MERCEDES 208 D (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 186 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
186
Avg Mileage
154,882 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 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 27 years old, 75% of MERCEDES 208 Ds from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 186 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 154,882 miles.
How does the 1997 MERCEDES 208 D compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MERCEDES 208 D has 154,882 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 1997 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1997 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 1997 MERCEDES 208 D
The 1997 MERCEDES 208 D is a large car with a 2300cc diesel engine. 186 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 154,882 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES 208 D owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 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 1997 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 1997 MERCEDES 208 D
At 27 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%.
Alternatives to the 1997 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:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+1%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,978 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (-3%) from 4,393 tests