MERCEDES 250 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 51 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
51
Avg Mileage
161,374 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1990 MERCEDES 250 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 34 years old, 76% of MERCEDES 250s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 51 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 161,374 miles.
How does the 1990 MERCEDES 250 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 MERCEDES 250 has 161,374 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES 250?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 76%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1990 MERCEDES 250 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 250 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 250?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 MERCEDES 250
The 1990 MERCEDES 250 is a large car with a 2497cc diesel engine. 51 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 161,374 miles at 34 years old, MERCEDES 250 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 MERCEDES 250 Fuel Costs
The 2497cc 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 250?
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 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 250 Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES 250s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 MERCEDES 250
At 34 years old, the MERCEDES 250 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. Note: with only 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 MERCEDES 250
The MERCEDES 250 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1991) 76% pass rate (same) from 5,265 tests
- TALBOT EXPRESS (1992) 67% pass rate (-9%) from 2,499 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1992) 70% pass rate (-6%) from 2,260 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1992) 68% pass rate (-8%) from 1,165 tests