MERCEDES CL (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 118 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
118
Avg Mileage
104,546 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1997 MERCEDES CL reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 27 years old, 92% of MERCEDES CLs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 118 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,546 miles.
How does the 1997 MERCEDES CL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MERCEDES CL has 104,546 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES CL?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1997 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 1997 MERCEDES CL cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES CL by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 100% | 38 | 14,783 mi |
| 2014 | 91% | 246 | 61,866 mi |
| 2013 | 87% | 276 | 61,865 mi |
| 2012 | 94% | 172 | 66,464 mi |
| 2011 | 89% | 159 | 73,701 mi |
| 2010 | 85% | 150 | 77,076 mi |
| 2009 | 81% | 119 | 86,705 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 241 | 78,575 mi |
| 2007 | 88% | 468 | 104,864 mi |
| 2006 | 89% | 79 | 94,133 mi |
| 2005 | 93% | 70 | 94,005 mi |
| 2004 | 87% | 112 | 79,723 mi |
| 2003 | 86% | 250 | 105,101 mi |
| 2002 | 82% | 330 | 94,742 mi |
| 2001 | 78% | 116 | 116,951 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 78 | 91,007 mi |
| 1999 | 78% | 72 | 16,669 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 113 | 101,277 mi |
| 1997 | 92% | 118 | 104,546 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES CL?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MERCEDES CL
The 1997 MERCEDES CL is a performance with a 4196cc petrol engine. 118 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 104,546 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MERCEDES CL Fuel Costs
The 4196cc 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 1997 MERCEDES CL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES CL Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES CLs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MERCEDES CL
At 27 years old, the MERCEDES CL 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 1997 MERCEDES CL
The MERCEDES CL is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (-11%) from 3,443 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (-15%) from 2,154 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1997) 90% pass rate (-2%) from 2,103 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1999) 79% pass rate (-13%) from 2,067 tests