Mercedes C (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 17,978 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc21 years old17,978 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

73% of MOT tests on Mercedes Cs from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 17,978 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,824 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models264th of 504(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models1272nd of 1,376(bottom 8%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Mercedes average-14%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,824

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Mercedes C had 121,824 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2005 scores 73%. 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

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

same

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+7%

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

same

Renault Clio

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-5%

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About the 2005 Mercedes C

The 2005 Mercedes C is a premium car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 17,978 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 121,824 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes C owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 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 £1,631 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 2005 Mercedes C?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 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 2005 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 17,978 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2005 Mercedes C Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 2,879 MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes C that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Suspension51%
Same age: 40% (fails on this more often)
Lights and electrics42%
Same age: 50%
Brakes26%
Same age: 30%
Exhaust, emissions and leaks20%
Same age: 16%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Mercedes C reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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 21 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 122k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2005 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(2005)	73%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£150
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Renault Clio(2007)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£200

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 2005 Mercedes C

Is the 2005 Mercedes C reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2005 Mercedes Cs ended in a pass, from 17,978 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Mercedes C cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2005 Mercedes C?

73% of 17,978 MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes C ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 264th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 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 2005 Mercedes C?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes C is 121,824 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.