MERCEDES C 320 (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 199 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
199
Avg Mileage
104,785 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2004 MERCEDES C 320 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 20 years old, 72% of MERCEDES C 320s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 199 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,785 miles.
How does the 2004 MERCEDES C 320 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MERCEDES C 320 has 104,785 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES C 320?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2004 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2004 MERCEDES C 320 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 320 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES C 320?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 MERCEDES C 320
The 2004 MERCEDES C 320 is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 199 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 104,785 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES C 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MERCEDES C 320 Fuel Costs
The 3199cc 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 2004 MERCEDES C 320?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES C 320 Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES C 320 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MERCEDES C 320
At 20 years old, the MERCEDES C 320 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.
Alternatives to the 2004 MERCEDES C 320
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER (2006) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 12,591 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (+6%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+14%) from 6,992 tests
- BMW X3 (2006) 78% pass rate (+6%) from 6,611 tests