MERCEDES A (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 59,637 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,355
£113/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1461cc Diesel
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1355/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 6 years old, 93% of MERCEDES As from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 59,637 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,588 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,588
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 MERCEDES A has 32,588 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2020 sits between the two at 93%.
MERCEDES A by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 MERCEDES A
The 2020 MERCEDES A is a small family car with a 1461cc diesel engine. 59,637 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 32,588 miles at 6 years old, MERCEDES A owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2020 MERCEDES A Fuel Costs
The 1461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 2020 MERCEDES A?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 MERCEDES A
At 6 years old, the MERCEDES A offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 59,637 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 MERCEDES A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2020 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(2020) | 93% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1355 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2018) | 84% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
| KIA SPORTAGE(2018) | 88% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
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
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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MERCEDES E
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FORD FOCUS
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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VOLKSWAGEN POLO
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