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MERCEDES CLA (2018)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 18,059 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,845

£154/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£195

Flat rate/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2143cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £1845/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel2143cc8 years old18,059 tests52k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2143cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Flat rate (post-2017)

£195
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,845
Per month£154/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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

At 8 years old, 89% of MERCEDES CLAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 18,059 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,592 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 cars387th of 649(top 60%)
Rank among MERCEDES models683th 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

51,592

Average miles

vs

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2018 MERCEDES CLA has 51,592 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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%. The 2018 sits between the two at 89%.

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

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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 2026, 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 8 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 £1,845 154/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 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 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2018 MERCEDES CLA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 MERCEDES CLA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES CLA(2018)89%£1245£195Grp 25-38£1845
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2018)92%£1037£190Grp 18-32£1482-£363
FORD TRANSIT(2017)81%£1037£190Grp 18-32£1632-£213
FORD KUGA(2019)91%£1037£190Grp 18-32£1482-£363
KIA SPORTAGE(2016)85%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1577-£268

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.

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