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MERCEDES C (2003)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 9,158 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests (2024)

9,158

Avg Mileage

112,103 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,017

Is the 2003 MERCEDES C reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 21 years old, 73% of MERCEDES Cs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 9,158 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,103 miles.

How does the 2003 MERCEDES C compare?

Rank among all 2003 cars215th out of 445(top 48%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models1298th out of 1,408(top 92%)
vs national average-9% (82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+1% (72% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-14% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2003 MERCEDES C has 112,103 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 73%.

How much does a 2003 MERCEDES C cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,017
Per month£168/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202192%3,77227,184 mi
202092%16,22533,734 mi
201991%52,83840,700 mi
201890%62,13851,166 mi
201789%87,61260,957 mi
201688%80,18173,695 mi
201586%71,63585,216 mi
201485%54,72990,129 mi
201381%51,70397,102 mi
201279%59,235102,461 mi
201179%42,676109,800 mi
201078%28,538111,322 mi
200977%28,440118,861 mi
200877%30,369121,672 mi
200776%25,544119,028 mi
200674%20,205118,301 mi
200573%17,978121,824 mi
200472%13,493116,683 mi
200373%9,158112,103 mi
200275%4,985103,944 mi
200175%2,463101,994 mi
200077%1,103104,741 mi
199982%2,683110,180 mi
199879%2,916112,877 mi
199781%2,336121,767 mi
199682%1,296107,809 mi
199583%1,017101,913 mi
199484%735103,968 mi
199382%71105,975 mi
199287%30131,044 mi
199179%47112,139 mi
199066%41103,332 mi

Checking a specific MERCEDES C?

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About the 2003 MERCEDES C

The 2003 MERCEDES C is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 9,158 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 112,103 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 MERCEDES C Fuel Costs

The 1796cc 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 2003 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 73% 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 2003 MERCEDES C

At 21 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%. With 9,158 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Alternatives to the 2003 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: