MERCEDES S-CLASS (1995)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 286 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2799cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2799cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 31 years old, 86% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1995 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 286 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,087 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
111,087
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 111,087 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-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 1995 sits between the two at 86%.
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
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About the 1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS
The 1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a large car with a 2799cc petrol engine. 286 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1995 cars for reliability.
With an average of 111,087 miles at 31 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.
1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 2799cc 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 1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS
At 31 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 1995 MERCEDES S-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 31 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 riskLarger 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 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 111k 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.
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 1995 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(1995) | 86% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£170 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1997) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
| VOLVO 900 SERIES(1997) | 74% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
| MERCEDES SL(1996) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
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.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
1996 · 2490cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
1997 · 2494cc Petrol
VOLVO 900 SERIES
1997 · 2922cc Petrol
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