MERCEDES 312 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 82 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
82
Avg Mileage
130,350 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1998 MERCEDES 312 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 72% of MERCEDES 312s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 82 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 130,350 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES 312 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES 312 has 130,350 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES 312?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES 312 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES 312 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 312?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MERCEDES 312
The 1998 MERCEDES 312 is a large car with a 2874cc diesel engine. 82 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 130,350 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES 312 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MERCEDES 312 Fuel Costs
The 2874cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 312?
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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 312 Reliability Trend
Older MERCEDES 312s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 17 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1998 MERCEDES 312
At 26 years old, the MERCEDES 312 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 82 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 MERCEDES 312
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+4%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (same) from 3,080 tests