MERCEDES 308 D (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 69 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2299cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2299cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 28 years old, 68% of MERCEDES 308 Ds from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 69 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 151,038 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
151,038
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 MERCEDES 308 D has 151,038 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 80% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MERCEDES 308 D by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 MERCEDES 308 D
The 1998 MERCEDES 308 D is a large car with a 2299cc diesel engine. 69 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 86% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 151,038 miles at 28 years old, MERCEDES 308 D owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 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 1998 MERCEDES 308 D?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1998 MERCEDES 308 D
At 28 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 69 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 MERCEDES 308 D's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 151k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1998 MERCEDES 308 D stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES 308 D(1998) | 68% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1999) | 70% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DEFENDER(1997) | 76% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(1999) | 75% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2000) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
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
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