MERCEDES 220 (1995)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 38 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2199cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% 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 31 years old, 82% of MERCEDES 220s from 1995 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,378 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,378
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1995 MERCEDES 220 has 110,378 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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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 1995 sits between the two at 82%.
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 1995 MERCEDES 220
The 1995 MERCEDES 220 is a family car with a 2199cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1995, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 110,378 miles at 31 years old, MERCEDES 220 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.
1995 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 1995 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 82% 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 1995 MERCEDES 220
At 31 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%. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1995 MERCEDES 220's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 31 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 110k 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.
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 1995 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(1995) | 82% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£170 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1997) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1997) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
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.
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MERCEDES C
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
1996 · 2490cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1997 · 1800cc Petrol
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