MERCEDES 412 D (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 58 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
58
Avg Mileage
132,411 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 MERCEDES 412 D 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 27 years old, 72% of MERCEDES 412 Ds from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 58 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 132,411 miles.
How does the 1997 MERCEDES 412 D compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MERCEDES 412 D has 132,411 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 412 D 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.
Checking a specific MERCEDES 412 D?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MERCEDES 412 D
The 1997 MERCEDES 412 D is a large car with a 2874cc diesel engine. 58 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 falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 132,411 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES 412 D owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MERCEDES 412 D 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 1997 MERCEDES 412 D?
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.
Buying a Used 1997 MERCEDES 412 D
At 27 years old, the MERCEDES 412 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 58 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MERCEDES 412 D
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