Mercedes 260 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 139 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2599cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol2599cc36 years old139 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2599cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

77% of MOT tests on Mercedes 260s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 139 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,180 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models120th of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models1184th of 1,376(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-2%(79% avg)

vs Mercedes average-10%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,180

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Mercedes 260 had 118,180 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 77%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes 260 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1992	78%	224	97,921 mi
1991	92%	87	110,482 mi
1990	77%	139	118,180 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes 300

1992 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,738/year

83%

+6%

Porsche 944

1990 · 2969cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+8%

Volvo 700 Series

1990 · 2316cc Petrol

£2,888/year

75%

-2%

Volvo 240

1992 · 2316cc Petrol

£2,888/year

72%

-5%

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About the 1990 Mercedes 260

The 1990 Mercedes 260 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2599cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 139 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 118,180 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes 260 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.

1990 Mercedes 260 Fuel Costs

The 2599cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Mercedes 260?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 Mercedes 260

At 36 years old, the Mercedes 260 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 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 risk

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 118k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 1990 Mercedes 260 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes 260(1990)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888
Mercedes 300(1992)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Porsche 944(1990)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Volvo 700 Series(1990)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Volvo 240(1992)	72%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1990 Mercedes 260

Is the 1990 Mercedes 260 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 1990 Mercedes 260s ended in a pass, from 139 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Mercedes 260 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Mercedes 260?

77% of 139 MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes 260 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 120th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

Which year Mercedes 260 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Mercedes 260 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 1990 the lowest at 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Mercedes 260?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes 260 is 118,180 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.