How much does a 2006 MERCEDES GL cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 MERCEDES GL?

The 2006 MERCEDES GL has a 78% MOT pass rate based on 160 tests in 2026. This ranks 206 out of 575 cars from 2006.

Which year MERCEDES GL is most reliable?

The 2020 MERCEDES GL has the highest MOT pass rate at 100%. The least reliable year is 2006 at 78%.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 MERCEDES GL?

The average mileage for a 2006 MERCEDES GL is 123,042 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES GL (2006)

Q: Is the 2006 MERCEDES GL reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MERCEDES GLs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 160 tests. That's 4 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 160 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2195/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2987cc20 years old160 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2987cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 20 years old, 78% of MERCEDES GLs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 160 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,042 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars206th of 575(top 36%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1177th of 1,408(top 84%)

vs national average-4%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average+5%(73% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,042

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 MERCEDES GL has 123,042 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 78%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

MERCEDES GL by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	99%	71	29,185 mi
2020	100%	69	41,984 mi
2019	93%	137	35,018 mi
2018	95%	63	38,524 mi
2017	79%	47	108,751 mi
2016	88%	475	73,156 mi
2015	89%	1,283	79,394 mi
2014	92%	1,321	93,766 mi
2013	90%	1,304	103,757 mi
2012	89%	225	99,410 mi
2011	86%	609	116,582 mi
2010	89%	435	121,550 mi
2009	81%	224	126,000 mi
2008	84%	371	122,229 mi
2007	85%	572	130,779 mi
2006	78%	160	123,042 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 SERIES

2008 · 2926cc Diesel

£1,900/year

80%

+2%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

same

AUDI TT

2008 · 3189cc Diesel

£1,900/year

81%

+3%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£1,900/year

81%

+3%

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About the 2006 MERCEDES GL

The 2006 MERCEDES GL is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 160 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 123,042 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES GL owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 MERCEDES GL Fuel Costs

The 2987cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2006 MERCEDES GL?

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 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES GL Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES GLs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2006 MERCEDES GL

At 20 years old, the MERCEDES GL 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 MERCEDES GL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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 123k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2006 MERCEDES GL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES GL(2006)	78%	£1245	£395	Grp 30-42	£2195
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)	80%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£295
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
AUDI TT(2008)	81%	£1245	£250	Grp 35-50	£1900-£295
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006)	81%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£295

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.