Mercedes CLA (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 18,327 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2143cc Diesel

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. 5 points above average.

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

£4.99

Check a specific Mercedes CLA

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

Diesel2143cc10 years old18,327 tests74k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2143cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

87% 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.

87% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLAs from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 18,327 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 74,073 miles.

Got a Mercedes CLA you're looking at?

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

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models289th of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models781st of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+2%(85% avg)

vs Mercedes average+0%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

74,073

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Mercedes CLA had 74,073 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Looking at a specific Mercedes CLA?

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

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%. The 2016 scores 87%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2015 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,077/year

89%

+2%

Kia Sportage

2016 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

-2%

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2016 · 1999cc Diesel

£1,927/year

90%

+3%

Ford Kuga

2016 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,077/year

88%

+1%

Check a Specific Mercedes CLA

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 2016 Mercedes CLA

The 2016 Mercedes CLA is a premium car. Our records list a 2143cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 18,327 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 74,073 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CLA owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2016 Mercedes CLA Fuel Costs

The 2143cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2016 Mercedes CLA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2016 Mercedes CLA

At 10 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 18,327 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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.

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 2016 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(2016)	87%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,491
Volkswagen Golf(2015)	89%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414
Kia Sportage(2016)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque(2016)	90%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£1,927-£564
Ford Kuga(2016)	88%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414

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 2016 Mercedes CLA

Is the 2016 Mercedes CLA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2016 Mercedes CLAs ended in a pass, from 18,327 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Mercedes CLA cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2016 Mercedes CLA?

87% of 18,327 MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes CLA ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 289th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 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 2016 Mercedes CLA?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes CLA is 74,073 miles, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.