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MERCEDES R-CLASS (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 389 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,535

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3495cc Diesel

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2535/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Diesel3495cc17 years old389 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3495cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 3495cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,535
Per month£211/mo
Per week£49/wk

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

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Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 17 years old, 76% of MERCEDES R-CLASSs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 389 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,747 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars304th of 575(top 53%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1231th of 1,408(top 87%)
vs national average-6%(82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average+1%(75% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-11%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,747

Average miles

vs

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS has 118,747 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2011 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2009 sits between the two at 76%.

MERCEDES R-CLASS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201382%368103,868 mi
201283%622108,424 mi
201192%1,578103,749 mi
201080%474125,353 mi
200976%389118,747 mi
200882%563118,299 mi
200774%615129,577 mi
200678%648130,199 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS

The 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS is a performance with a 3495cc diesel engine. 389 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 118,747 miles at 17 years old, MERCEDES R-CLASS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 3495cc 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 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,535 211/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES R-CLASS Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES R-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS

At 17 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

Based on the 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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

Watch out

With an average of 119k 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 2009 MERCEDES R-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES R-CLASS(2009)76%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2535
AUDI TT(2008)81%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900-£635
MERCEDES E(2009)80%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900-£635
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2010)85%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900-£635
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2011)83%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£635

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.

Related Mercedes Models

Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes R-class.

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