CarCostCheck

MERCEDES ML (2012)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,231 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

86%

Total Tests (2024)

5,231

Avg Mileage

100,705 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,900

Is the 2012 MERCEDES ML reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 12 years old, 86% of MERCEDES MLs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,231 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,705 miles.

How does the 2012 MERCEDES ML compare?

Rank among all 2012 cars219th out of 685(top 32%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models853th out of 1,408(top 61%)
vs national average+4% (82% avg)
vs 2012 cars average+8% (78% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-1% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2012 MERCEDES ML has 100,705 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Best year to buy a MERCEDES ML?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 sits between the two at 86%.

How much does a 2012 MERCEDES ML cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Diesel, 3498cc)
£1,245
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,900
Per month£158/mo

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

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

Checking a specific MERCEDES ML?

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About the 2012 MERCEDES ML

The 2012 MERCEDES ML is a performance with a 3498cc diesel engine. 5,231 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 100,705 miles at 12 years old, MERCEDES ML owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 MERCEDES ML Fuel Costs

The 3498cc 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 2012 MERCEDES ML?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2012 MERCEDES ML

At 12 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%. With 5,231 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Alternatives to the 2012 MERCEDES ML

If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: