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MERCEDES ML (2000)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 850 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol3199cc26 years old850 tests137k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3199cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3199cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,907
Per month£242/mo
Per week£56/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 26 years old, 73% of MERCEDES MLs from 2000 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 850 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,667 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2000 cars173th of 338(top 51%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1307th of 1,408(top 93%)
vs national average-9%(82% avg)
vs 2000 cars average+0%(73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-14%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,667

Average miles

vs

192,400

Expected for age

The average 2000 MERCEDES ML has 136,667 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2000 sits between the two at 73%.

MERCEDES ML by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201589%6,91279,271 mi
201488%8,49486,775 mi
201388%9,48796,900 mi
201286%5,231100,705 mi
201182%6,382109,233 mi
201082%6,104116,332 mi
200981%4,923121,081 mi
200882%5,355127,187 mi
200781%5,024130,037 mi
200680%3,946131,218 mi
200575%2,047126,634 mi
200473%2,584130,231 mi
200374%1,905129,634 mi
200277%1,756132,786 mi
200177%1,002134,405 mi
200073%850136,667 mi
199974%615133,164 mi
199872%58119,333 mi

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About the 2000 MERCEDES ML

The 2000 MERCEDES ML is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 850 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2000, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 136,667 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES ML owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2000 MERCEDES ML Fuel Costs

The 3199cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2000 MERCEDES ML?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES ML Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 2000 MERCEDES ML

At 26 years old, the MERCEDES ML 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2000 MERCEDES ML's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 26 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 137k 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 2000 MERCEDES ML stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES ML(2000)73%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2907
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£510
BMW Z3(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
PORSCHE 911(2002)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2002)82%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660

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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