MERCEDES CL (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 172 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
172
Avg Mileage
66,464 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2012 MERCEDES CL reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 12 years old, 94% of MERCEDES CLs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 172 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 66,464 miles.
How does the 2012 MERCEDES CL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 MERCEDES CL has 66,464 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 MERCEDES CL
The 2012 MERCEDES CL is a performance with a 4663cc petrol engine. 172 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 66,464 miles at 12 years old, MERCEDES CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 MERCEDES CL Fuel Costs
The 4663cc 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 2012 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 94% 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 2012 MERCEDES CL
At 12 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.
Alternatives to the 2012 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:
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2011) 85% pass rate (-9%) from 13,658 tests
- BMW X5 (2010) 86% pass rate (-8%) from 8,668 tests
- JAGUAR F-TYPE (2014) 94% pass rate (same) from 5,734 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2014) 92% pass rate (-2%) from 2,892 tests