Mercedes C (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,463 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2597cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2597cc25 years old2,463 tests102k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2597cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

75% of MOT tests on Mercedes Cs from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 2,463 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 101,994 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models126th of 350(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1230th of 1,376(bottom 11%)

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

vs 2001 models average+2%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-12%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,994

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Mercedes C had 101,994 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2001 scores 75%. 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

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

+2%

Mercedes CLK

2003 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+3%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,958/year

79%

+4%

Porsche 911

2003 · 2198cc Petrol

£2,808/year

87%

+12%

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About the 2001 Mercedes C

The 2001 Mercedes C is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2597cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,463 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 101,994 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 2001 Mercedes C?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 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 2001 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%.

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 25 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 102k 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.

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 2001 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(2001)	75%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Mercedes CLK(2003)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same
Porsche 911(2003)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808-£150

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 2001 Mercedes C

Is the 2001 Mercedes C reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2001 Mercedes Cs ended in a pass, from 2,463 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Mercedes C cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mercedes C?

75% of 2,463 MOT tests on the 2001 Mercedes C ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 126th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top half).

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 2001 Mercedes C?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Mercedes C is 101,994 miles, 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.