How much does a 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS has a 92% MOT pass rate based on 118 tests in 2026. This ranks 17 out of 179 cars from 1991.

Which year MERCEDES S-CLASS is most reliable?

The 2020 MERCEDES S-CLASS has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 1992 at 72%.

MERCEDES S-CLASS (1991)

Q: Is the 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 118 tests. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS is 120,508 miles, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 118 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2962cc Petrol

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Petrol2962cc35 years old118 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2962cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2962cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/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

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 35 years old, 92% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 118 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,508 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars17th of 179(top 9%)

Rank among MERCEDES models516th of 1,408(top 37%)

vs national average+10%(82% avg)

vs 1991 cars average+14%(78% avg)

vs MERCEDES average+5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,508

Average miles

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 120,508 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1991 sits between the two at 92%.

MERCEDES S-CLASS by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	91%	164	32,036 mi
2020	95%	540	43,972 mi
2019	94%	5,921	67,860 mi
2018	94%	6,518	75,456 mi
2017	93%	5,990	73,988 mi
2016	91%	6,819	74,260 mi
2015	92%	5,513	87,325 mi
2014	92%	3,915	95,545 mi
2013	89%	2,145	108,065 mi
2012	88%	2,817	100,420 mi
2011	87%	2,202	117,628 mi
2010	85%	2,001	110,934 mi
2009	82%	1,990	114,274 mi
2008	84%	2,232	110,584 mi
2007	84%	2,940	117,418 mi
2006	87%	2,334	111,043 mi
2005	84%	1,301	132,014 mi
2004	82%	1,158	124,020 mi
2003	82%	1,227	120,882 mi
2002	79%	720	115,052 mi
2001	79%	735	107,381 mi
2000	81%	562	102,703 mi
1999	78%	434	98,447 mi
1998	81%	522	111,371 mi
1997	86%	373	107,182 mi
1996	83%	348	109,185 mi
1995	86%	286	111,087 mi
1994	92%	140	106,787 mi
1993	76%	49	112,335 mi
1992	72%	121	119,350 mi
1991	92%	118	120,508 mi
1990	87%	125	142,121 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES 300

1992 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,247/year

83%

-9%

PORSCHE 911

1991 · 3164cc Petrol

£2,097/year

91%

-1%

PORSCHE 944

1990 · 2969cc Petrol

£2,247/year

85%

-7%

PORSCHE 968

1993 · 2990cc Petrol

£2,247/year

85%

-7%

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About the 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a large car with a 2962cc petrol engine. 118 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 1991 cars for reliability.

With an average of 120,508 miles at 35 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 2962cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

MERCEDES S-CLASS Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES S-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 35 years old, the MERCEDES S-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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 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 121k 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 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES S-CLASS(1991)	92%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2277
MERCEDES 300(1992)	83%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30
PORSCHE 911(1991)	91%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£180
PORSCHE 944(1990)	85%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30
PORSCHE 968(1993)	85%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30

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.