Mercedes C (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 41 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2299cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 16 points below average.

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Petrol2299cc36 years old41 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2299cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

66% of MOT tests on Mercedes Cs from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 41 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 103,332 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models170th of 182(bottom 8%)

Rank among Mercedes models1363rd of 1,376(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-13%(79% avg)

vs Mercedes average-21%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,332

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Mercedes C had 103,332 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1990 scores 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes C by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	3,772	27,184 mi
2020	92%	16,225	33,734 mi
2019	91%	52,838	40,700 mi
2018	90%	62,138	51,166 mi
2017	89%	87,612	60,957 mi
2016	88%	80,181	73,695 mi
2015	86%	71,635	85,216 mi
2014	85%	54,729	90,129 mi
2013	81%	51,703	97,102 mi
2012	79%	59,235	102,461 mi
2011	79%	42,676	109,800 mi
2010	78%	28,538	111,322 mi
2009	77%	28,440	118,861 mi
2008	77%	30,369	121,672 mi
2007	76%	25,544	119,028 mi
2006	74%	20,205	118,301 mi
2005	73%	17,978	121,824 mi
2004	72%	13,493	116,683 mi
2003	73%	9,158	112,103 mi
2002	75%	4,985	103,944 mi
2001	75%	2,463	101,994 mi
2000	77%	1,103	104,741 mi
1999	82%	2,683	110,180 mi
1998	79%	2,916	112,877 mi
1997	81%	2,336	121,767 mi
1996	82%	1,296	107,809 mi
1995	83%	1,017	101,913 mi
1994	84%	735	103,968 mi
1993	82%	71	105,975 mi
1992	87%	30	131,044 mi
1991	79%	47	112,139 mi
1990	66%	41	103,332 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+18%

Mercedes 190 E

1992 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+13%

Volvo 900 Series

1992 · 1986cc Petrol

£2,561/year

70%

+4%

Saab 900

1992 · 1985cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+9%

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About the 1990 Mercedes C

The 1990 Mercedes C is a premium car. Our records list a 2299cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 41 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 8% of 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 103,332 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 Mercedes C Fuel Costs

The 2299cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Mercedes C?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mercedes C Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Cs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Mercedes C

At 36 years old, the Mercedes C 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 103k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1990 Mercedes C 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 C(1990)	66%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£3,088
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£677
Mercedes 190 E(1992)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527
Volvo 900 Series(1992)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527
Saab 900(1992)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527

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 1990 Mercedes C

Is the 1990 Mercedes C reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 1990 Mercedes Cs ended in a pass, from 41 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Mercedes C cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Mercedes C?

66% of 41 MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes C ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 170th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom 8%).

Which year Mercedes C has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes C has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2004 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Mercedes C?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes C is 103,332 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.