MERCEDES A-CLASS (2009)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 12,533 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
12,533
Avg Mileage
84,461 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 15 years old, 75% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 12,533 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,461 miles.
How does the 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS has 84,461 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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%. The 2009 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS cost to run?
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 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS
The 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS is a family car with a 1992cc diesel engine. 12,533 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 84,461 miles at 15 years old, MERCEDES A-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 1992cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS
At 15 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 12,533 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2009 MERCEDES A-CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2011) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 97,916 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2010) 74% pass rate (-1%) from 92,611 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-1%) from 75,715 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2011) 81% pass rate (+6%) from 57,568 tests