CarCostCheck

MERCEDES CLA (2018)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 18,059 real MOT tests in 2024.

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Total Tests (2024)

18,059

Avg Mileage

51,592 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,840

Is the 2018 MERCEDES CLA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.

At 6 years old, 89% of MERCEDES CLAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 18,059 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,592 miles.

How does the 2018 MERCEDES CLA compare?

Rank among all 2018 cars387th out of 649(top 60%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models683th out of 1,408(top 49%)
vs national average+7% (82% avg)
vs 2018 cars average+0% (89% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+2% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2018 MERCEDES CLA has 51,592 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Best year to buy a MERCEDES CLA?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 84%. The 2018 sits between the two at 89%.

How much does a 2018 MERCEDES CLA cost to run?

Fuel (Diesel, 2143cc)
£1,245
🏛️Road Tax
£190
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,840
Per month£153/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

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

Checking a specific MERCEDES CLA?

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About the 2018 MERCEDES CLA

The 2018 MERCEDES CLA is a family car with a 2143cc diesel engine. 18,059 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 51,592 miles at 6 years old, MERCEDES CLA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2018 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2018 MERCEDES CLA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,840 153/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2018 MERCEDES CLA

At 6 years old, the MERCEDES CLA offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 18,059 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Alternatives to the 2018 MERCEDES CLA

If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: