Mercedes R-Class (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 648 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3495cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3495cc20 years old648 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3495cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£3,303

Per month£275/mo

Per week£64/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

78% of MOT tests on Mercedes R-Classs from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 648 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 130,199 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models191st of 554(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1144th of 1,376(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+5%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

130,199

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Mercedes R-Class had 130,199 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2006 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes R-Class by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	82%	368	103,868 mi
2012	83%	622	108,424 mi
2011	92%	1,578	103,749 mi
2010	80%	474	125,353 mi
2009	76%	389	118,747 mi
2008	82%	563	118,299 mi
2007	74%	615	129,577 mi
2006	78%	648	130,199 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

75%

-3%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

same

Mercedes CLK

2007 · 2997cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-2%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+8%

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About the 2006 Mercedes R-Class

The 2006 Mercedes R-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3495cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 648 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 130,199 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes R-Class owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 Mercedes R-Class Fuel Costs

The 3495cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2006 Mercedes R-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes R-Class Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes R-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 Mercedes R-Class

At 20 years old, the Mercedes R-Class 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

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.

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 130k 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 R-Class 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 R-Class(2006)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303
Land Rover Freelander(2007)	75%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
Mercedes CLK(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£345
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150

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 2006 Mercedes R-Class

Is the 2006 Mercedes R-Class reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2006 Mercedes R-Classs ended in a pass, from 648 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Mercedes R-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Mercedes R-Class?

78% of 648 MOT tests on the 2006 Mercedes R-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 191st of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top half).

Which year Mercedes R-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Mercedes R-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2007 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Mercedes R-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Mercedes R-Class is 130,199 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.