MERCEDES G-CLASS (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4966cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4966cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 27 years old, 82% of MERCEDES G-CLASSs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,541 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
113,541
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 MERCEDES G-CLASS has 113,541 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 2020 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1999 sits between the two at 82%.
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
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About the 1999 MERCEDES G-CLASS
The 1999 MERCEDES G-CLASS is a performance with a 4966cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 113,541 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 MERCEDES G-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 1 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 MERCEDES G-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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 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 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 1999 MERCEDES G-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES G-CLASS(1999) | 82% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| MERCEDES SL(1997) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2000) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| TVR CHIMAERA(1999) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(1998) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
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
MERCEDES SL
1997 · 4973cc Petrol
MERCEDES CLK
2000 · 5439cc Petrol
TVR CHIMAERA
1999 · 4546cc Petrol
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