MERCEDES C (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 80,181 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3982cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3982cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 88% of MERCEDES Cs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 80,181 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,695 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
73,695
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MERCEDES C has 73,695 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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%. The 2016 sits between the two at 88%.
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
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About the 2016 MERCEDES C
The 2016 MERCEDES C is a performance with a 3982cc petrol engine. 80,181 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 73,695 miles at 10 years old, MERCEDES C owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 MERCEDES C Fuel Costs
The 3982cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 MERCEDES C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2016 MERCEDES C
At 10 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 80,181 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MERCEDES C's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2016 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(2016) | 88% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| AUDI A6(2016) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| PORSCHE MACAN(2015) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG(2015) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| PORSCHE 911(2018) | 96% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£720 |
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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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MERCEDES E
2018 · 1950cc Diesel
AUDI A6
2016 · 3993cc Petrol
PORSCHE MACAN
2015 · 3604cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
2015 · 3600cc Petrol
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