MERCEDES 308 D (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 93 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
93
Avg Mileage
157,810 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,900
Is the 1997 MERCEDES 308 D reliable?
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 27 years old, 80% of MERCEDES 308 Ds from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 93 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 157,810 miles.
How does the 1997 MERCEDES 308 D compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MERCEDES 308 D has 157,810 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1997 MERCEDES 308 D 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 308 D by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 308 D?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MERCEDES 308 D
The 1997 MERCEDES 308 D is a large car with a 2299cc diesel engine. 93 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 157,810 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES 308 D owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MERCEDES 308 D Fuel Costs
The 2299cc 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 1997 MERCEDES 308 D?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 308 D Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES 308 D has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MERCEDES 308 D
At 27 years old, the MERCEDES 308 D 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 93 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MERCEDES 308 D
The MERCEDES 308 D is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-10%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-4%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-5%) from 5,978 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (-8%) from 4,393 tests