MERCEDES C (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,683 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
2,683
Avg Mileage
110,180 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1999 MERCEDES C reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 82% of MERCEDES Cs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,683 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,180 miles.
How does the 1999 MERCEDES C compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MERCEDES C has 110,180 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1999 sits between the two at 82%.
How much does a 1999 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 1999 MERCEDES C
The 1999 MERCEDES C is a large car with a 2799cc petrol engine. 2,683 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1999 cars for reliability.
With an average of 110,180 miles at 25 years old, MERCEDES C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 MERCEDES C Fuel Costs
The 2799cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 MERCEDES C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 1999 MERCEDES C
At 25 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 1999 MERCEDES C
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-5%) from 9,406 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-4%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2001) 83% pass rate (+1%) from 4,134 tests
- FORD MONDEO (2001) 69% pass rate (-13%) from 2,982 tests