Mercedes A-Class (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,552 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1699cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1699cc21 years old5,552 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1699cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

73% of MOT tests on Mercedes A-Classs from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 5,552 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 88,124 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models267th of 504(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models1277th of 1,376(bottom 8%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Mercedes average-14%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,124

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Mercedes A-Class had 88,124 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2005 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

same

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+7%

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

same

Renault Clio

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-5%

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About the 2005 Mercedes A-Class

The 2005 Mercedes A-Class is a premium car. Our records list a 1699cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,552 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 88,124 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes A-Class owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 Mercedes A-Class Fuel Costs

The 1699cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2005 Mercedes A-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes A-Class Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes A-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2005 Mercedes A-Class

At 21 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 5,552 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2005 Mercedes A-Class Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 937 MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes A-Class that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics48%
Same age: 50%
Body, chassis and structure27%
Same age: 21% (fails on this more often)
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors26%
Same age: 17% (fails on this more often)
Suspension25%
Same age: 40% (fails on this less often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Mercedes A-Class reliability, common problems and years to avoid

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 88k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2005 Mercedes A-Class stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes A-Class(2005)	73%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£150
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Renault Clio(2007)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2005 Mercedes A-Class

Is the 2005 Mercedes A-Class reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2005 Mercedes A-Classs ended in a pass, from 5,552 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Mercedes A-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Mercedes A-Class?

73% of 5,552 MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes A-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 267th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom half).

Which year Mercedes A-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mercedes A-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1999 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Mercedes A-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes A-Class is 88,124 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.