MERCEDES A-CLASS (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 8,389 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2035cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2035cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 20 years old, 72% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 8,389 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,943 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
91,943
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS has 91,943 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2006 sits between the two at 72%.
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
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About the 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS
The 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS is a family car with a 2035cc petrol engine. 8,389 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 91,943 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES A-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 2035cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS
At 20 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 8,389 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 20 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 92k 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 riskHigh-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 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 2006 MERCEDES A-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2006) | 72% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| FORD FOCUS(2008) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£750 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£710 |
| MINI MINI(2008) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£750 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2007) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
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 A
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES E
2018 · 1950cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2008 · 1596cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2008 · 1598cc Petrol
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