Mercedes CLC (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 6,902 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,303
£275/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3199cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 9 points below average.
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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 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.
73% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLCs from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 6,902 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 102,575 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
102,575
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 Mercedes CLC had 102,575 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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%. The 2009 scores 73%. 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
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About the 2009 Mercedes CLC
The 2009 Mercedes CLC is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3199cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 6,902 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 102,575 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CLC owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 Mercedes CLC Fuel Costs
The 3199cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2009 Mercedes CLC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2009 Mercedes CLC
At 17 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 74%. With 6,902 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
What the 2009 Mercedes CLC Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 1,357 MOT tests on the 2009 Mercedes CLC that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Suspension56%
Same age: 41% (fails on this more often)
- Lights and electrics40%
Same age: 47%
- Brakes27%
Same age: 25%
- Tyres22%
Same age: 18%
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Mercedes CLC reliability, common problems and years to avoid
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 17 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 103k 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 2009 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(2009) | 73% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2011) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£345 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2007) | 75% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303same |
| Mercedes E(2010) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153-£150 |
| Saab 9-3(2007) | 76% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£345 |
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 2009 Mercedes CLC
Is the 2009 Mercedes CLC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2009 Mercedes CLCs ended in a pass, from 6,902 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 Mercedes CLC cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2009 Mercedes CLC?
73% of 6,902 MOT tests on the 2009 Mercedes CLC ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 361st of 555 models first registered in 2009 (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 2009 Mercedes CLC?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Mercedes CLC is 102,575 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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
Vauxhall Insignia
2011 · 2792cc Petrol
Land Rover Freelander
2007 · 3192cc Petrol
Mercedes E
2010 · 3495cc Petrol
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