Mercedes CLK (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 800 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol3199cc28 years old800 tests102k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3199cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

77% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLKs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 800 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 102,449 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models125th of 325(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1177th of 1,376(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+2%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-10%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

102,449

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mercedes CLK had 102,449 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2000 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 75%. The 1998 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+1%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+5%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+10%

Mercedes C

1999 · 2799cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+5%

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About the 1998 Mercedes CLK

The 1998 Mercedes CLK is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3199cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 800 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 102,449 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Mercedes CLK 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 1998 Mercedes CLK?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 1998 Mercedes CLK

At 28 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2000 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.

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 out

At 28 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 risk

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 102k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 1998 Mercedes CLK 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 CLK(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Mercedes C(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150

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 1998 Mercedes CLK

Is the 1998 Mercedes CLK reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 1998 Mercedes CLKs ended in a pass, from 800 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mercedes CLK cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1998 Mercedes CLK?

77% of 800 MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes CLK ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 125th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Mercedes CLK has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2000 Mercedes CLK has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 1997 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mercedes CLK?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes CLK is 102,449 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.