MERCEDES CLK (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,287 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
6,287
Avg Mileage
105,487 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2003 MERCEDES CLK reliable?
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 21 years old, 78% of MERCEDES CLKs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,287 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,487 miles.
How does the 2003 MERCEDES CLK compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MERCEDES CLK has 105,487 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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%. The 2003 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 MERCEDES CLK
The 2003 MERCEDES CLK is a large car with a 2295cc petrol engine. 6,287 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 105,487 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES CLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 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 2003 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 78% 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 2003 MERCEDES CLK
At 21 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%. With 6,287 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 MERCEDES CLK
The MERCEDES CLK is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-11%) from 18,423 tests
- MERCEDES C (2005) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 17,978 tests
- HONDA CR-V (2005) 70% pass rate (-8%) from 16,222 tests
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER (2005) 69% pass rate (-9%) from 11,705 tests