MERCEDES A-CLASS (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 526 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
526
Avg Mileage
79,332 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 68% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 526 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,332 miles.
How does the 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS has 79,332 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES A-CLASS?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS 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.
MERCEDES A-CLASS by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95% | 204 | 20,573 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 296 | 25,924 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 17,959 | 42,922 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 81,134 | 48,596 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 82,055 | 58,788 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 78,925 | 68,387 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 57,434 | 77,575 mi |
| 2014 | 83% | 51,817 | 86,660 mi |
| 2013 | 83% | 34,582 | 92,179 mi |
| 2012 | 79% | 9,525 | 74,077 mi |
| 2011 | 78% | 9,398 | 73,721 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 11,300 | 79,296 mi |
| 2009 | 75% | 12,533 | 84,461 mi |
| 2008 | 74% | 12,272 | 89,507 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 11,036 | 91,201 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 8,389 | 91,943 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 5,552 | 88,124 mi |
| 2004 | 71% | 2,470 | 84,566 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 2,442 | 81,910 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 1,766 | 83,515 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,096 | 88,180 mi |
| 2000 | 69% | 516 | 80,481 mi |
| 1999 | 68% | 526 | 79,332 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 72 | 85,941 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES A-CLASS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS
The 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 526 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 81% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 79,332 miles at 25 years old, MERCEDES A-CLASS 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.
1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MERCEDES A-CLASS Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES A-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS
At 25 years old, the MERCEDES A-CLASS 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 1999 MERCEDES A-CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (same) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 8,442 tests