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Mercedes GL (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,304 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,341

£195/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2,341/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel2987cc13 years old1,304 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£2,341
Per month£195/mo
Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

90% of MOT tests on Mercedes GLs from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 1,304 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 103,757 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models117th of 588(top 20%)
Rank among Mercedes models623rd of 1,376(top half)
vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)
vs 2013 models average+10%(80% avg)
vs Mercedes average+3%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,757

Average miles

vs

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Mercedes GL had 103,757 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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 93%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2013 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes GL by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202199%7129,185 mi
2020100%6941,984 mi
201993%13735,018 mi
201895%6338,524 mi
201779%47108,751 mi
201688%47573,156 mi
201589%1,28379,394 mi
201492%1,32193,766 mi
201390%1,304103,757 mi
201289%22599,410 mi
201186%609116,582 mi
201089%435121,550 mi
200981%224126,000 mi
200884%371122,229 mi
200785%572130,779 mi
200678%160123,042 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2013 Mercedes GL

The 2013 Mercedes GL is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,304 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2013 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 103,757 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes GL owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2013 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2013 Mercedes GL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,341 (£195/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Mercedes GL Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes GLs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2013 Mercedes GL

At 13 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

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.

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 104k 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 2013 Mercedes GL stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Mercedes GL(2013)90%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,341
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)88%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491+£150
Audi A4(2011)82%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491+£150
Jaguar XF(2014)84%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491+£150
Audi A5(2013)85%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491+£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 2013 Mercedes GL

Is the 2013 Mercedes GL reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2013 Mercedes GLs ended in a pass, from 1,304 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Mercedes GL cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,341 a year (£195 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 Mercedes GL?

90% of 1,304 MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes GL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 117th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top 20%).

Which year Mercedes GL has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes GL has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2006 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2013 Mercedes GL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes GL is 103,757 miles, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Related Mercedes Models

Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes GL.

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