MERCEDES 500 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 356 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
356
Avg Mileage
94,548 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1991 MERCEDES 500 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 87% of MERCEDES 500s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 356 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,548 miles.
How does the 1991 MERCEDES 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 MERCEDES 500 has 94,548 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1991 MERCEDES 500 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 500 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 500?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 MERCEDES 500
The 1991 MERCEDES 500 is a performance with a 4973cc petrol engine. 356 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 94,548 miles at 33 years old, MERCEDES 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 MERCEDES 500 Fuel Costs
The 4973cc 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 1991 MERCEDES 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 500 Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 MERCEDES 500
At 33 years old, the MERCEDES 500 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 1991 MERCEDES 500
The MERCEDES 500 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XJS (1990) 82% pass rate (-5%) from 1,011 tests
- MERCEDES SL (1991) 86% pass rate (-1%) from 288 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1990) 86% pass rate (-1%) from 282 tests
- PORSCHE 928 S (1991) 81% pass rate (-6%) from 181 tests