Mercedes CLC (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,452 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,958
£247/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2148cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 10 points below average.
Check a specific Mercedes CLC
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.
72% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLCs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 4,452 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 109,284 miles.
Got a Mercedes CLC you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
109,284
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Mercedes CLC had 109,284 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific Mercedes CLC?
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 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 74%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mercedes CLC by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mercedes CLC
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 2008 Mercedes CLC
The 2008 Mercedes CLC is a premium car. Our records list a 2148cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,452 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 109,284 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CLC owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 Mercedes CLC Fuel Costs
The 2148cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 Mercedes CLC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Mercedes CLC Reliability Trend
The Mercedes CLC has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2008 Mercedes CLC
At 18 years old, the Mercedes CLC 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.
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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 18 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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
Watch outWith an average of 109k 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 2008 Mercedes CLC 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 CLC(2008) | 72% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,958 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£597 |
| Audi A3(2010) | 77% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£447 |
| Renault Clio(2010) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£247 |
| Toyota Yaris(2007) | 75% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£447 |
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 2008 Mercedes CLC
Is the 2008 Mercedes CLC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2008 Mercedes CLCs ended in a pass, from 4,452 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Mercedes CLC cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Mercedes CLC?
72% of 4,452 MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes CLC ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 375th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).
Which year Mercedes CLC has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Mercedes CLC has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 2008 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Mercedes CLC?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes CLC is 109,284 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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
BMW 3 Series
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
Audi A3
2010 · 1984cc Petrol
Renault Clio
2010 · 1998cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes CLC.
Cars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Mercedes CLC
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Mercedes CLC? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included