MERCEDES C (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 13,493 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
13,493
Avg Mileage
116,683 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2004 MERCEDES C reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 20 years old, 72% of MERCEDES Cs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 13,493 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,683 miles.
How does the 2004 MERCEDES C compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MERCEDES C has 116,683 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2004 MERCEDES C cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2004 MERCEDES C
The 2004 MERCEDES C is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 13,493 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 116,683 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 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 2004 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 72% 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 2004 MERCEDES C
At 20 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. With 13,493 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 MERCEDES C
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+8%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 35,054 tests