MERCEDES CLC (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,452 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2148cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2148cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 18 years old, 72% of MERCEDES CLCs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,452 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,284 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
109,284
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 MERCEDES CLC has 109,284 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MERCEDES CLC by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 MERCEDES CLC
The 2008 MERCEDES CLC is a family car with a 2148cc petrol engine. 4,452 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 109,284 miles at 18 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 MERCEDES CLC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 points.
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
Based on the 2008 MERCEDES CLC's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES CLC(2008) | 72% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£710 |
| AUDI A3(2010) | 77% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2010) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2007) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
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
BMW 3 SERIES
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
AUDI A3
2010 · 1984cc Petrol
RENAULT CLIO
2010 · 1998cc Petrol
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