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MERCEDES CLA (2013)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,182 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,807

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1600cc13 years old5,182 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1600cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,807
Per month£151/mo
Per week£35/wk

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

84% 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 13 years old, 84% of MERCEDES CLAs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,182 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,382 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 cars298th of 626(top 48%)
Rank among MERCEDES models933th of 1,408(top 66%)
vs national average+2%(82% avg)
vs 2013 cars average+4%(80% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-3%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,382

Average miles

vs

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2013 MERCEDES CLA has 93,382 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 84%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

MERCEDES CLA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202296%74425,883 mi
202192%12,88828,983 mi
202091%11,03935,990 mi
201990%17,41941,662 mi
201889%18,05951,592 mi
201787%19,33363,934 mi
201687%18,32774,073 mi
201586%16,53282,370 mi
201485%11,12189,018 mi
201384%5,18293,382 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2013 MERCEDES CLA

The 2013 MERCEDES CLA is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 5,182 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 93,382 miles at 13 years old, 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2013 MERCEDES CLA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2013 MERCEDES CLA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES CLA(2013)84%£1137£265Grp 12-25£1807
VAUXHALL CORSA(2015)78%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£85
FORD FOCUS(2013)78%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827+£20
NISSAN QASHQAI(2015)81%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1572-£235
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015)82%£955£30Grp 5-15£1390-£417

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.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes Cla.

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