Mercedes Citan (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 6,341 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,824
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1461cc Diesel
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1,824/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
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%.
80% of MOT tests on Mercedes Citans from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 6,341 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 88,398 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
88,398
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Mercedes Citan had 88,398 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2018 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mercedes Citan by Year
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About the 2018 Mercedes Citan
The 2018 Mercedes Citan is a van. Our records list a 1461cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 6,341 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 7% of 2018 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 88,398 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Citan owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2018 Mercedes Citan Fuel Costs
The 1461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2018 Mercedes Citan?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,824 (£152/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Mercedes Citan Reliability Trend
Newer Mercedes Citans pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2018 Mercedes Citan
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 82%. With 6,341 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
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.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 88k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Questions about the 2018 Mercedes Citan
Is the 2018 Mercedes Citan reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2018 Mercedes Citans ended in a pass, from 6,341 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Mercedes Citan cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,824 a year (£152 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 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 2018 Mercedes Citan?
80% of 6,341 MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes Citan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 570th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom 7%).
Which year Mercedes Citan has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes Citan has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2013 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 2018 Mercedes Citan?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes Citan is 88,398 miles, which is well above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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