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MERCEDES GL 320 (2006)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 77 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,895

£158/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1895/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel2987cc20 years old77 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2987cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£1,895
Per month£158/mo
Per week£36/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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

At 20 years old, 90% of MERCEDES GL 320s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 77 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,501 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars44th of 575(top 8%)
Rank among MERCEDES models661th of 1,408(top 47%)
vs national average+8%(82% avg)
vs 2006 cars average+17%(73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+3%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,501

Average miles

vs

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 MERCEDES GL 320 has 129,501 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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MERCEDES GL 320 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200975%161125,291 mi
200877%126132,206 mi
200779%501131,087 mi
200690%77129,501 mi

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About the 2006 MERCEDES GL 320

The 2006 MERCEDES GL 320 is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 77 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2006 cars for reliability.

With an average of 129,501 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES GL 320 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 MERCEDES GL 320 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 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,895 158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 320 Reliability Trend

Older MERCEDES GL 320s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 9 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2006 MERCEDES GL 320

At 20 years old, the MERCEDES GL 320 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. Note: with only 77 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 MERCEDES GL 320'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 130k 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 320 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES GL 320(2006)90%£1245£395Grp 30-42£1895
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900+£5
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)78%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£155
AUDI TT(2008)81%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900+£5
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006)81%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900+£5

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.

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