MERCEDES CLK (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,758 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2148cc Diesel
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2148cc
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 18 years old, 75% of MERCEDES CLKs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,758 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,878 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
104,878
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 MERCEDES CLK has 104,878 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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 2008 sits between the two at 75%.
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 2008 MERCEDES CLK
The 2008 MERCEDES CLK is a family car with a 2148cc diesel engine. 5,758 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 104,878 miles at 18 years old, MERCEDES CLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 MERCEDES CLK Fuel Costs
The 2148cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2008 MERCEDES CLK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 2008 MERCEDES CLK
At 18 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 5,758 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 MERCEDES CLK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 105k 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 2008 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(2008) | 75% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| VAUXHALL ZAFIRA(2010) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
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.
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MERCEDES C
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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VAUXHALL ASTRA
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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HONDA CIVIC
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