MERCEDES GLS (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 983 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,895
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2987cc Diesel
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1895/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2987cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 10 years old, 93% of MERCEDES GLSs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 983 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,875 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
72,875
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MERCEDES GLS has 72,875 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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MERCEDES GLS by Year
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About the 2016 MERCEDES GLS
The 2016 MERCEDES GLS is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 983 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2016 cars for reliability.
With an average of 72,875 miles at 10 years old, MERCEDES GLS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 MERCEDES GLS 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 2016 MERCEDES GLS?
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 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES GLS Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES GLS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 MERCEDES GLS
At 10 years old, the MERCEDES GLS 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 2016 MERCEDES GLS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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 GLS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES GLS(2016) | 93% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £1895 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£205 |
| AUDI A5(2017) | 89% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1840-£55 |
| FORD RANGER(2018) | 85% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £1840-£55 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£205 |
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
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES GLC
2018 · 2987cc Diesel
AUDI A5
2017 · 2967cc Diesel
FORD RANGER
2018 · 3198cc Diesel
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