Mercedes G-Class (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4966cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4966cc27 years old44 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4966cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

82% of MOT tests on Mercedes G-Classs from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,541 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models94th of 361(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1009th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,541

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Mercedes G-Class had 113,541 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 86%. The 1999 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes G-Class by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	78%	65	30,190 mi
2020	98%	66	32,570 mi
2019	96%	319	41,698 mi
2018	94%	807	39,199 mi
2017	86%	691	43,730 mi
2016	94%	604	58,012 mi
2015	88%	591	48,991 mi
2014	92%	362	54,969 mi
2013	94%	449	69,675 mi
2012	90%	221	76,209 mi
2011	96%	92	70,666 mi
2010	73%	33	78,145 mi
2007	100%	35	103,461 mi
2001	60%	42	93,234 mi
1999	82%	44	113,541 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+5%

Mercedes CLK

2000 · 5439cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-1%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

+6%

Toyota Land Cruiser

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-4%

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About the 1999 Mercedes G-Class

The 1999 Mercedes G-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4966cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 113,541 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes G-Class owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Mercedes G-Class Fuel Costs

The 4966cc 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 1999 Mercedes G-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes G-Class Reliability Trend

The Mercedes G-Class has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 Mercedes G-Class

At 27 years old, the Mercedes G-Class 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 27 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 114k 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 1999 Mercedes G-Class 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 G-Class(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Mercedes SL(1997)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Mercedes CLK(2000)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Toyota Land Cruiser(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£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 1999 Mercedes G-Class

Is the 1999 Mercedes G-Class reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1999 Mercedes G-Classs ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Mercedes G-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mercedes G-Class?

82% of 44 MOT tests on the 1999 Mercedes G-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 94th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top half).

Which year Mercedes G-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes G-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2017 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Mercedes G-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Mercedes G-Class is 113,541 miles, 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.