MERCEDES CL (2000)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 78 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5439cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 5439cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 76% of MERCEDES CLs from 2000 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 78 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,007 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
91,007
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 2000 MERCEDES CL has 91,007 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2000 MERCEDES CL
The 2000 MERCEDES CL is a performance with a 5439cc petrol engine. 78 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2000, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 91,007 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2000 MERCEDES CL Fuel Costs
The 5439cc 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 2000 MERCEDES CL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2000 MERCEDES CL
At 26 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. Note: with only 78 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2000 MERCEDES CL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 26 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 91k 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.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2000 MERCEDES CL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES CL(2000) | 76% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2000) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| MERCEDES SL(2002) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| MERCEDES ML(2002) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| ASTON MARTIN DB7(2001) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
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 C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES CLK
2000 · 5439cc Petrol
MERCEDES SL
2002 · 4973cc Petrol
MERCEDES ML
2002 · 4966cc Petrol
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