MERCEDES A-CLASS (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 78,925 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,475
£123/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1461cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1475/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1461cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 86% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 78,925 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,387 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,387
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MERCEDES A-CLASS has 68,387 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2016 sits between the two at 86%.
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 2016 MERCEDES A-CLASS
The 2016 MERCEDES A-CLASS is a small family car with a 1461cc diesel engine. 78,925 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 68,387 miles at 10 years old, 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 £905 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 2016 MERCEDES A-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,475 (£123/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MERCEDES A-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
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 2016 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(2016) | 86% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1475 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£125 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014) | 79% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595+£120 |
| FORD FOCUS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£25 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014) | 80% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1340-£135 |
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
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES E
2018 · 1950cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2018 · 1499cc Diesel
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