MERCEDES A (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 91 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1991cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2047/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1991cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 87% of MERCEDES As from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 91 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 58,350 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
58,350
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MERCEDES A has 58,350 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2016 sits between the two at 87%.
MERCEDES A by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 MERCEDES A
The 2016 MERCEDES A is a family car with a 1991cc petrol engine. 91 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 58,350 miles at 10 years old, MERCEDES A owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 MERCEDES A Fuel Costs
The 1991cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 MERCEDES A?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 A Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES As show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 MERCEDES A
At 10 years old, the MERCEDES A 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. Note: with only 91 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MERCEDES A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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.
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 2016 MERCEDES A stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES A(2016) | 87% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£465 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
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
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES E
2018 · 1950cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2014 · 1600cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
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