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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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1600cc
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
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?
Mileage Analysis
93,382
Average miles
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
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 outAt 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 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 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 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 2013 MERCEDES CLA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES CLA(2013) | 84% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£20 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2015) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£235 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 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.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2015 · 1400cc Petrol
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