MERCEDES G-CLASS (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 42 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£3,107
£259/month
MOT Pass Rate
60%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3200cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
60% pass rate, £3107/year to run. 22 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3200cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 22 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 60% of MERCEDES G-CLASSs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,234 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
93,234
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 MERCEDES G-CLASS has 93,234 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2001 sits between the two at 60%.
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 2001 MERCEDES G-CLASS
The 2001 MERCEDES G-CLASS is a performance with a 3200cc petrol engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 97% of 2001 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 93,234 miles at 25 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 MERCEDES G-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,107 (£259/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 1 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 MERCEDES G-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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
Medium riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 outWith 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 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 2001 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(2001) | 60% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £3107 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£710 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£710 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
| PORSCHE 911(2002) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
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
BMW 3 SERIES
2001 · 3000cc Petrol
BMW Z3
1999 · 3201cc Petrol
PORSCHE BOXSTER
2003 · 3179cc Petrol
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