MERCEDES 220 (1993)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 221 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2199cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2199cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 33 years old, 81% of MERCEDES 220s from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 221 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 131,768 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
131,768
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1993 MERCEDES 220 has 131,768 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1993 sits between the two at 81%.
MERCEDES 220 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 94% | 33 | 87,512 mi | |
| 2018 | 84% | 50 | 80,006 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 92 | 72,900 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 138 | 77,377 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 118 | 103,110 mi | |
| 2014 | 87% | 157 | 99,695 mi | |
| 2013 | 73% | 40 | 95,797 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 83 | 100,493 mi | |
| 2011 | 87% | 45 | 118,451 mi | |
| 2010 | 57% | 37 | 131,918 mi | |
| 2009 | 78% | 102 | 106,363 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 101 | 131,469 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 103 | 134,588 mi | |
| 2006 | 74% | 62 | 130,027 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 87 | 136,001 mi | |
| 2003 | 85% | 34 | 121,459 mi | |
| 1995 | 82% | 38 | 110,378 mi | |
| 1993 | 81% | 221 | 131,768 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1993 MERCEDES 220
The 1993 MERCEDES 220 is a family car with a 2199cc petrol engine. 221 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 131,768 miles at 33 years old, MERCEDES 220 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1993 MERCEDES 220 Fuel Costs
The 2199cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1993 MERCEDES 220?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 220 Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES 220s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1993 MERCEDES 220
At 33 years old, the MERCEDES 220 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1993 MERCEDES 220's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 33 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 132k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1993 MERCEDES 220 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES 220(1993) | 81% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£560 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1994) | 69% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£170 |
| PEUGEOT BOXER(1995) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£210 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1995) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
1994 · 2495cc Petrol
PEUGEOT BOXER
1995 · 1998cc Petrol
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