Mercedes A-Class (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 78,925 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1461cc Diesel

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1461cc10 years old78,925 tests68k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1461cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on Mercedes A-Classs from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 78,925 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,387 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models313th of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models836th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+1%(85% avg)

vs Mercedes average-1%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,387

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Mercedes A-Class had 68,387 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2016 scores 86%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+5%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

-7%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+3%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

-6%

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About the 2016 Mercedes A-Class

The 2016 Mercedes A-Class is a premium car. Our records list a 1461cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 78,925 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 68,387 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes A-Class owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 Mercedes A-Class 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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2016 Mercedes A-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2016 Mercedes A-Class

At 10 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 78,925 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2016 Mercedes A-Class Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 9,355 MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes A-Class that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Tyres35%
Same age: 26% (fails on this more often)
Suspension35%
Same age: 30%
Lights and electrics21%
Same age: 30% (fails on this less often)
Brakes15%
Same age: 20% (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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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.

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 2016 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(2016)	86%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£120
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944+£150
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£30
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£150

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 2016 Mercedes A-Class

Is the 2016 Mercedes A-Class reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2016 Mercedes A-Classs ended in a pass, from 78,925 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Mercedes A-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Mercedes A-Class?

86% of 78,925 MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes A-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 313th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (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 2016 Mercedes A-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes A-Class is 68,387 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.