MERCEDES A-CLASS (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 81,134 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
81,134
Avg Mileage
48,596 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,500
Is the 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 89% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 81,134 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,596 miles.
How does the 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS has 48,596 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 2018 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?
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About the 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS
The 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS is a small family car with a 1461cc diesel engine. 81,134 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 48,596 miles at 6 years old, MERCEDES A-CLASS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,500 (£125/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2018 MERCEDES A-CLASS
At 6 years old, the MERCEDES A-CLASS offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 81,134 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 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 (2017) 91% pass rate (+2%) from 127,682 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (same) from 93,803 tests
- MERCEDES A (2019) 91% pass rate (+2%) from 89,588 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018) 84% pass rate (-5%) from 79,867 tests