Mercedes G-Class (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,503

£292/month

MOT Pass Rate

60%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3200cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

60% pass rate, £3,503/year to run. 22 points below average.

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Petrol3200cc25 years old42 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3200cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,503

Per month£292/mo

Per week£67/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

60% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 22 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

60% of MOT tests on Mercedes G-Classs from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,234 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models340th of 350(bottom 4%)

Rank among Mercedes models1372nd of 1,376(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-22%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average-13%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-27%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,234

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Mercedes G-Class had 93,234 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 scores 60%. 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

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

+17%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+18%

Porsche Boxster

2003 · 3179cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

+22%

Porsche 911

2002 · 3596cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+26%

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About the 2001 Mercedes G-Class

The 2001 Mercedes G-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3200cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 4% of 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 93,234 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes G-Class owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 Mercedes G-Class Fuel Costs

The 3200cc 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 2001 Mercedes G-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,503 (£292/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 60% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

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 2001 Mercedes G-Class

At 25 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 42 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 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 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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 60% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2001 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(2001)	60%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,503
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£545
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£615
Porsche Boxster(2003)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£350
Porsche 911(2002)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£350

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 2001 Mercedes G-Class

Is the 2001 Mercedes G-Class reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 60% of MOT tests on 2001 Mercedes G-Classs ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 22 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Mercedes G-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,503 a year (£292 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mercedes G-Class?

60% of 42 MOT tests on the 2001 Mercedes G-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 340th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (bottom 4%).

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 2001 Mercedes G-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Mercedes G-Class is 93,234 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.