MERCEDES C (2006)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 20,205 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
20,205
Avg Mileage
118,301 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2006 MERCEDES C reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 18 years old, 74% of MERCEDES Cs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 20,205 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,301 miles.
How does the 2006 MERCEDES C compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2006 MERCEDES C has 118,301 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2006 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2006 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 2006 MERCEDES C
The 2006 MERCEDES C is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 20,205 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 118,301 miles at 18 years old, MERCEDES C owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2006 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 2006 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 74% 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 2006 MERCEDES C
At 18 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 20,205 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2006 MERCEDES C
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (-2%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2008) 73% pass rate (-1%) from 90,659 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2008) 74% pass rate (same) from 54,730 tests