Mercedes Motorhome (1998)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,306
£192/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
2700cc Diesel
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £2,306/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.
94% of MOT tests on Mercedes Motorhomes from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 149,288 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
149,288
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 1998 Mercedes Motorhome had 149,288 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 84%. The 1998 scores 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mercedes Motorhome by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 72% | 32 | 61,005 mi | |
| 2009 | 71% | 42 | 108,468 mi | |
| 2008 | 81% | 91 | 87,572 mi | |
| 2007 | 95% | 155 | 74,554 mi | |
| 2006 | 84% | 122 | 64,969 mi | |
| 2005 | 86% | 83 | 58,481 mi | |
| 2004 | 85% | 104 | 70,330 mi | |
| 2003 | 82% | 66 | 85,052 mi | |
| 2002 | 80% | 64 | 109,471 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 68 | 88,872 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 51 | 87,478 mi | |
| 1999 | 84% | 49 | 87,617 mi | |
| 1998 | 94% | 33 | 149,288 mi | |
| 1997 | 88% | 33 | 106,455 mi | |
| 1995 | 21% | 34 | 103,323 mi | |
| 1992 | 63% | 32 | 114,043 mi | |
| 1990 | 84% | 43 | 111,634 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 Mercedes Motorhome
The 1998 Mercedes Motorhome is a motorhome. Our records list a 2700cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 149,288 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Motorhome owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 Mercedes Motorhome Fuel Costs
The 2700cc 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 £1,676 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 1998 Mercedes Motorhome?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,306 (£192/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Mercedes Motorhome Reliability Trend
Newer Mercedes Motorhomes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 1998 Mercedes Motorhome
At 28 years old, the Mercedes Motorhome 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 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.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 149k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 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 1998 Mercedes Motorhome 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 Motorhome(1998) | 94% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,306 |
| Volkswagen Transporter(1999) | 70% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£300 |
| Ford Transit(1998) | 72% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£300 |
| Fiat Ducato(2000) | 73% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£300 |
| Toyota Hi-Ace(1998) | 71% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£300 |
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 1998 Mercedes Motorhome
Is the 1998 Mercedes Motorhome reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 1998 Mercedes Motorhomes ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1998 Mercedes Motorhome cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,306 a year (£192 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mercedes Motorhome?
94% of 33 MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes Motorhome ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 20th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 7%).
Which year Mercedes Motorhome has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Mercedes Motorhome has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2006 the lowest at 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mercedes Motorhome?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes Motorhome is 149,288 miles, 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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
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Volkswagen Transporter
1999 · 2461cc Diesel
Ford Transit
1998 · 2496cc Diesel
Fiat Ducato
2000 · 2500cc Diesel
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