MERCEDES C (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,463 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
2,463
Avg Mileage
101,994 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2001 MERCEDES C reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 23 years old, 75% of MERCEDES Cs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,463 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,994 miles.
How does the 2001 MERCEDES C compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 MERCEDES C has 101,994 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2001 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 2001 MERCEDES C
The 2001 MERCEDES C is a large car with a 2597cc petrol engine. 2,463 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 101,994 miles at 23 years old, MERCEDES C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 MERCEDES C Fuel Costs
The 2597cc 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 2001 MERCEDES C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2001 MERCEDES C
At 23 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 2001 MERCEDES C
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (+2%) from 9,406 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2003) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z4 (2003) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 5,310 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (2003) 87% pass rate (+12%) from 5,168 tests