MERCEDES GLA (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 21,237 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1595cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £1807/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1595cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 87% of MERCEDES GLAs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 21,237 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 64,678 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
64,678
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MERCEDES GLA has 64,678 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2016 sits between the two at 87%.
MERCEDES GLA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 MERCEDES GLA
The 2016 MERCEDES GLA is a small family car with a 1595cc petrol engine. 21,237 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 64,678 miles at 10 years old, MERCEDES GLA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 MERCEDES GLA Fuel Costs
The 1595cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 MERCEDES GLA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES GLA Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES GLA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 MERCEDES GLA
At 10 years old, the MERCEDES GLA 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 92%. With 21,237 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MERCEDES GLA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 2016 MERCEDES GLA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES GLA(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£130 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£257 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£417 |
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
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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