CarCostCheck

Mercedes C (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 51,703 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1796cc13 years old51,703 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,361
Per month£197/mo
Per week£45/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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

81% of MOT tests on Mercedes Cs from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 51,703 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,102 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models345th of 588(bottom half)
Rank among Mercedes models1014th of 1,376(bottom half)
vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)
vs 2013 models average+1%(80% avg)
vs Mercedes average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,102

Average miles

vs

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Mercedes C had 97,102 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2013 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2013 Mercedes C

The 2013 Mercedes C is a premium car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 51,703 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 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 97,102 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes C owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 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 2013 Mercedes C?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2013 Mercedes C

At 13 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 51,703 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2013 Mercedes C Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 7,069 MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes C that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

  • Suspension48%

    Same age: 37% (fails on this more often)

  • Brakes34%

    Same age: 22% (fails on this more often)

  • Tyres25%

    Same age: 20%

  • Lights and electrics22%

    Same age: 41% (fails on this less often)

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 13 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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 2013 Mercedes C stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Mercedes C(2013)81%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,361
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)78%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153-£208
Ford Focus(2013)78%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2015)81%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,003-£358
Vauxhall Mokka(2015)79%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153-£208

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 2013 Mercedes C

Is the 2013 Mercedes C reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2013 Mercedes Cs ended in a pass, from 51,703 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Mercedes C cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 Mercedes C?

81% of 51,703 MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes C ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 345th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 Mercedes C?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes C is 97,102 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes C.

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