How much does a 2006 MERCEDES ML cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 MERCEDES ML?

The 2006 MERCEDES ML has a 80% MOT pass rate based on 3,946 tests in 2026. This ranks 161 out of 575 cars from 2006.

Which year MERCEDES ML is most reliable?

The 2015 MERCEDES ML has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 MERCEDES ML?

The average mileage for a 2006 MERCEDES ML is 131,218 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES ML (2006)

Q: Is the 2006 MERCEDES ML reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MERCEDES MLs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,946 tests. That's 2 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,946 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4966cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific MERCEDES ML

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol4966cc20 years old3,946 tests131k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4966cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4966cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,757

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this MERCEDES ML

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 20 years old, 80% of MERCEDES MLs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,946 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 131,218 miles.

Got a MERCEDES ML you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars161th of 575(top 28%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1080th of 1,408(top 77%)

vs national average-2%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average+7%(73% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-7%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

131,218

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 MERCEDES ML has 131,218 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific MERCEDES ML?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2006 sits between the two at 80%.

MERCEDES ML by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	89%	6,912	79,271 mi
2014	88%	8,494	86,775 mi
2013	88%	9,487	96,900 mi
2012	86%	5,231	100,705 mi
2011	82%	6,382	109,233 mi
2010	82%	6,104	116,332 mi
2009	81%	4,923	121,081 mi
2008	82%	5,355	127,187 mi
2007	81%	5,024	130,037 mi
2006	80%	3,946	131,218 mi
2005	75%	2,047	126,634 mi
2004	73%	2,584	130,231 mi
2003	74%	1,905	129,634 mi
2002	77%	1,756	132,786 mi
2001	77%	1,002	134,405 mi
2000	73%	850	136,667 mi
1999	74%	615	133,164 mi
1998	72%	58	119,333 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW X5

2005 · 4799cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-3%

MERCEDES CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

-4%

ROVER 75

2004 · 4601cc Petrol

£2,597/year

69%

-11%

PORSCHE CAYENNE

2006 · 4511cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

+6%

Check a Specific Mercedes Ml

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2006 MERCEDES ML

The 2006 MERCEDES ML is a performance with a 4966cc petrol engine. 3,946 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 131,218 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES ML owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 MERCEDES ML Fuel Costs

The 4966cc 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 2006 MERCEDES ML?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2006 MERCEDES ML

At 20 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 2006 MERCEDES ML's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 20 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 131k 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 ML stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES ML(2006)	80%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
BMW X5(2005)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
MERCEDES CLK(2004)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
ROVER 75(2004)	69%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2597-£160
PORSCHE CAYENNE(2006)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510

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.