Is the 2004 MERCEDES C reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MERCEDES Cs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 13,493 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 MERCEDES C cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MERCEDES C?

The 2004 MERCEDES C has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 13,493 tests in 2026. This ranks 265 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year MERCEDES C is most reliable?

The 2020 MERCEDES C has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 72%.

MERCEDES C (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 MERCEDES C?

The average mileage for a 2004 MERCEDES C is 116,683 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 13,493 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc22 years old13,493 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 22 years old, 72% of MERCEDES Cs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 13,493 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,683 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars265th of 491(top 54%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1325th of 1,408(top 94%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+0%(72% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,683

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 MERCEDES C has 116,683 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?

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.

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

FORD FOCUS

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

+1%

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-1%

BMW 3 SERIES

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+8%

HONDA JAZZ

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-1%

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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 2026, 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 22 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 £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 22 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 MERCEDES C's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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.

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 117k 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 2004 MERCEDES C stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES C(2004)	72%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2006)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2006)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
HONDA JAZZ(2006)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.