MERCEDES CLK (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,542 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3199cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3199cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 79% of MERCEDES CLKs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,542 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,971 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
103,971
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 MERCEDES CLK has 103,971 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?
The most reliable year is the 2000 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2001 sits between the two at 79%.
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 2001 MERCEDES CLK
The 2001 MERCEDES CLK is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 2,542 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 103,971 miles at 25 years old, MERCEDES CLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 MERCEDES CLK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2001 MERCEDES CLK
At 25 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
Based on the 2001 MERCEDES CLK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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 104k 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 2001 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(2001) | 79% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£510 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| PORSCHE 911(2002) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
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
2001 · 3000cc Petrol
BMW Z3
1999 · 3201cc Petrol
PORSCHE BOXSTER
2003 · 3179cc Petrol
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