Mercedes ML 250 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 881 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2143cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel2143cc14 years old881 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2143cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on Mercedes ML 250s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 881 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,106 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models139th of 650(top 22%)

Rank among Mercedes models688th of 1,376(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+11%(78% avg)

vs Mercedes average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,106

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mercedes ML 250 had 91,106 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Mercedes ML 250 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	89%	881	91,106 mi
2011	93%	91	132,551 mi
2010	76%	62	121,350 mi
2009	88%	32	115,575 mi
2007	80%	60	163,262 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-10%

Volkswagen Golf

2012 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,077/year

80%

-9%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

-4%

Vauxhall Zafira

2013 · 1956cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

-11%

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About the 2012 Mercedes ML 250

The 2012 Mercedes ML 250 is a premium car. Our records list a 2143cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 881 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 91,106 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes ML 250 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Mercedes ML 250 Fuel Costs

The 2143cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 250?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2012 Mercedes ML 250

At 14 years old, the Mercedes ML 250 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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

Medium risk

With an average of 91k 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.

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 2012 Mercedes ML 250 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes ML 250(2012)	89%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,491
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264
Volkswagen Golf(2012)	80%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414
Vauxhall Zafira(2013)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Mercedes ML 250

Is the 2012 Mercedes ML 250 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2012 Mercedes ML 250s ended in a pass, from 881 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Mercedes ML 250 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Mercedes ML 250?

89% of 881 MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes ML 250 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 139th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 22%).

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Mercedes ML 250?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes ML 250 is 91,106 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.