MERCEDES C (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,916 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
2,916
Avg Mileage
112,877 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 MERCEDES C reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 79% of MERCEDES Cs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,916 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,877 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES C compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES C has 112,877 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES C?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1998 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES C 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 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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES C?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MERCEDES C
The 1998 MERCEDES C is a family car with a 1799cc petrol engine. 2,916 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 112,877 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MERCEDES C Fuel Costs
The 1799cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 MERCEDES C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES C Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES Cs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MERCEDES C
At 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 MERCEDES C
The MERCEDES C is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-6%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-8%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (same) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (-4%) from 5,268 tests