Mercedes A-Class (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 81,134 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,824

£152/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1461cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £1,824/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel1461cc8 years old81,134 tests49k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1461cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,824

Per month£152/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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on Mercedes A-Classs from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 81,134 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,596 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models350th of 607(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models671st of 1,376(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average+0%(89% avg)

vs Mercedes average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,596

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 Mercedes A-Class had 48,596 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 scores 89%. 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%

+2%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

same

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2018 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

84%

-5%

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About the 2018 Mercedes A-Class

The 2018 Mercedes A-Class is a premium car. Our records list a 1461cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 81,134 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 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 48,596 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £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 2018 Mercedes A-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,824 (£152/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 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 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 2018 Mercedes A-Class

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. 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.

What the 2018 Mercedes A-Class Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 7,021 MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes A-Class that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Tyres40%
Same age: 29% (fails on this more often)
Brakes18%
Same age: 19%
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors16%
Same age: 16%
Lights and electrics15%
Same age: 27% (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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 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(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Volkswagen Polo(2018)	84%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same

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 2018 Mercedes A-Class

Is the 2018 Mercedes A-Class reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2018 Mercedes A-Classs ended in a pass, from 81,134 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 Mercedes A-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,824 a year (£152 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 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 2018 Mercedes A-Class?

89% of 81,134 MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes A-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 350th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (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 2018 Mercedes A-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes A-Class is 48,596 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.