Mercedes CLA (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,182 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1600cc13 years old5,182 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLAs from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 5,182 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,382 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models277th of 588(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models920th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average+4%(80% avg)

vs Mercedes average-3%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,382

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Mercedes CLA had 93,382 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 84%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes CLA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	744	25,883 mi
2021	92%	12,888	28,983 mi
2020	91%	11,039	35,990 mi
2019	90%	17,419	41,662 mi
2018	89%	18,059	51,592 mi
2017	87%	19,333	63,934 mi
2016	87%	18,327	74,073 mi
2015	86%	16,532	82,370 mi
2014	85%	11,121	89,018 mi
2013	84%	5,182	93,382 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Corsa

2015 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

78%

-6%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-6%

Nissan Qashqai

2015 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,003/year

81%

-3%

Volkswagen Polo

2015 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,750/year

82%

-2%

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About the 2013 Mercedes CLA

The 2013 Mercedes CLA is a premium car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,182 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 93,382 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CLA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 Mercedes CLA Fuel Costs

The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2013 Mercedes CLA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes CLA Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes CLAs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2013 Mercedes CLA

At 13 years old, the Mercedes CLA 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. With 5,182 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 13 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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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 2013 Mercedes CLA stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes CLA(2013)	84%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)	78%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£75
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Nissan Qashqai(2015)	81%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003-£75
Volkswagen Polo(2015)	82%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,750-£328

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2013 Mercedes CLA

Is the 2013 Mercedes CLA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2013 Mercedes CLAs ended in a pass, from 5,182 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Mercedes CLA cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 2013 Mercedes CLA?

84% of 5,182 MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes CLA ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 277th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top half).

Which year Mercedes CLA has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mercedes CLA has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2013 the lowest at 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2013 Mercedes CLA?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes CLA is 93,382 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.