MERCEDES 420 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 125 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
125
Avg Mileage
131,208 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1990 MERCEDES 420 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 34 years old, 74% of MERCEDES 420s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 131,208 miles.
How does the 1990 MERCEDES 420 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 MERCEDES 420 has 131,208 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1990 MERCEDES 420 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 420?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 MERCEDES 420
The 1990 MERCEDES 420 is a performance with a 4196cc petrol engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 131,208 miles at 34 years old, MERCEDES 420 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 MERCEDES 420 Fuel Costs
The 4196cc 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 1990 MERCEDES 420?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1990 MERCEDES 420
At 34 years old, the MERCEDES 420 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.
Alternatives to the 1990 MERCEDES 420
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XJS (1992) 78% pass rate (+4%) from 618 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1992) 85% pass rate (+11%) from 555 tests
- TVR GRIFFITH (1992) 88% pass rate (+14%) from 517 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1992) 82% pass rate (+8%) from 328 tests