MERCEDES CLK (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 138 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
138
Avg Mileage
86,436 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 MERCEDES CLK reliable?
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 27 years old, 75% of MERCEDES CLKs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 138 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,436 miles.
How does the 1997 MERCEDES CLK compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MERCEDES CLK has 86,436 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES CLK?
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.
How much does a 1997 MERCEDES CLK cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES CLK?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 27 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 £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 MERCEDES CLK
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 7,815 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1997) 76% pass rate (+1%) from 5,880 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,268 tests