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MERCEDES C (2009)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 28,440 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

77%

Total Tests (2024)

28,440

Avg Mileage

118,861 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,017

Is the 2009 MERCEDES C reliable?

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

At 15 years old, 77% of MERCEDES Cs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 28,440 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,861 miles.

How does the 2009 MERCEDES C compare?

Rank among all 2009 cars272th out of 575(top 47%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models1191th out of 1,408(top 85%)
vs national average-5% (82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average+2% (75% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-10% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2009 MERCEDES C has 118,861 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2009 sits between the two at 77%.

How much does a 2009 MERCEDES C cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£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 2009 MERCEDES C

The 2009 MERCEDES C is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 28,440 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 118,861 miles at 15 years old, MERCEDES C owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 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 2009 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 77% 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 2009 MERCEDES C

At 15 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 28,440 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Alternatives to the 2009 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: