How much does a 2003 MERCEDES CL cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MERCEDES CL?

The 2003 MERCEDES CL has a 86% MOT pass rate based on 250 tests in 2026. This ranks 44 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year MERCEDES CL is most reliable?

The 2012 MERCEDES CL has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 76%.

MERCEDES CL (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 MERCEDES CL reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MERCEDES CLs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 250 tests. That's 4 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 MERCEDES CL?

The average mileage for a 2003 MERCEDES CL is 105,101 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 250 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

5439cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific MERCEDES CL

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol5439cc23 years old250 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5439cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 5439cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,757

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this MERCEDES CL

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 23 years old, 86% of MERCEDES CLs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 250 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,101 miles.

Got a MERCEDES CL you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars44th of 445(top 10%)

Rank among MERCEDES models869th of 1,408(top 62%)

vs national average+4%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average+14%(72% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-1%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,101

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 MERCEDES CL has 105,101 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific MERCEDES CL?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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%. The 2003 sits between the two at 86%.

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

MERCEDES CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

-10%

MERCEDES SL

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

same

ASTON MARTIN DB9

2005 · 5935cc Petrol

£2,097/year

93%

+7%

MERCEDES ML

2005 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,397/year

75%

-11%

Check a Specific Mercedes Cl

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2003 MERCEDES CL

The 2003 MERCEDES CL is a performance with a 5439cc petrol engine. 250 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2003 cars for reliability.

With an average of 105,101 miles at 23 years old, MERCEDES CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 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 2003 MERCEDES CL?

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 86% 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 2003 MERCEDES CL

At 23 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 MERCEDES CL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 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 risk

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 105k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 2003 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(2003)	86%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
MERCEDES CLK(2004)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
MERCEDES SL(2003)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
ASTON MARTIN DB9(2005)	93%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£660
MERCEDES ML(2005)	75%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360

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.