MERCEDES 260 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 87 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
87
Avg Mileage
110,482 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1991 MERCEDES 260 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 33 years old, 92% of MERCEDES 260s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 87 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,482 miles.
How does the 1991 MERCEDES 260 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 MERCEDES 260 has 110,482 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1991 MERCEDES 260 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 260 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 260?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 MERCEDES 260
The 1991 MERCEDES 260 is a large car with a 2599cc petrol engine. 87 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 110,482 miles at 33 years old, 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.
1991 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 MERCEDES 260?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES 260 Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES 260s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 MERCEDES 260
At 33 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. Note: with only 87 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 MERCEDES 260
The MERCEDES 260 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES 300 (1992) 83% pass rate (-9%) from 1,096 tests
- PORSCHE 944 (1990) 85% pass rate (-7%) from 914 tests
- VOLVO 700 SERIES (1990) 75% pass rate (-17%) from 775 tests
- VOLVO 240 (1993) 68% pass rate (-24%) from 772 tests