MERCEDES CLK (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 138 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2295cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2295cc
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 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 29 years old, 75% of MERCEDES CLKs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 138 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,436 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
86,436
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 MERCEDES CLK has 86,436 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2000 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 75%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MERCEDES CLK by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 90% | 30 | 61,131 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 40 | 64,021 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 152 | 92,126 mi | |
| 2009 | 76% | 6,353 | 97,542 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 5,758 | 104,878 mi | |
| 2007 | 76% | 8,003 | 106,765 mi | |
| 2006 | 76% | 7,045 | 106,273 mi | |
| 2005 | 76% | 8,463 | 107,835 mi | |
| 2004 | 76% | 8,352 | 105,633 mi | |
| 2003 | 78% | 6,287 | 105,487 mi | |
| 2002 | 78% | 3,392 | 106,379 mi | |
| 2001 | 79% | 2,542 | 103,971 mi | |
| 2000 | 81% | 2,099 | 102,251 mi | |
| 1999 | 78% | 2,485 | 103,421 mi | |
| 1998 | 77% | 800 | 102,449 mi | |
| 1997 | 75% | 138 | 86,436 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1997 MERCEDES CLK
The 1997 MERCEDES CLK is a large car with a 2295cc petrol engine. 138 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 86,436 miles at 29 years old, MERCEDES CLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 MERCEDES CLK Fuel Costs
The 2295cc 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 1997 MERCEDES CLK?
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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES CLK Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES CLK has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MERCEDES CLK
At 29 years old, the MERCEDES CLK 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 1997 MERCEDES CLK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 29 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
Medium riskWith an average of 86k 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 1997 MERCEDES CLK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES CLK(1997) | 75% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£20 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1997) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 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.
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