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MERCEDES S-CLASS (2013)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,145 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,045

£170/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2045/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel2987cc13 years old2,145 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2987cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,045
Per month£170/mo
Per week£39/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.

At 13 years old, 89% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,145 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,065 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 cars147th of 626(top 23%)
Rank among MERCEDES models692th of 1,408(top 49%)
vs national average+7%(82% avg)
vs 2013 cars average+9%(80% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,065

Average miles

vs

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 108,065 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2013 sits between the two at 89%.

MERCEDES S-CLASS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202191%16432,036 mi
202095%54043,972 mi
201994%5,92167,860 mi
201894%6,51875,456 mi
201793%5,99073,988 mi
201691%6,81974,260 mi
201592%5,51387,325 mi
201492%3,91595,545 mi
201389%2,145108,065 mi
201288%2,817100,420 mi
201187%2,202117,628 mi
201085%2,001110,934 mi
200982%1,990114,274 mi
200884%2,232110,584 mi
200784%2,940117,418 mi
200687%2,334111,043 mi
200584%1,301132,014 mi
200482%1,158124,020 mi
200382%1,227120,882 mi
200279%720115,052 mi
200179%735107,381 mi
200081%562102,703 mi
199978%43498,447 mi
199881%522111,371 mi
199786%373107,182 mi
199683%348109,185 mi
199586%286111,087 mi
199492%140106,787 mi
199376%49112,335 mi
199272%121119,350 mi
199192%118120,508 mi
199087%125142,121 mi

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About the 2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 2,145 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2013 cars for reliability.

With an average of 108,065 miles at 13 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 2987cc 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 2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 13 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 2013 MERCEDES S-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 108k 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 2013 MERCEDES S-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES S-CLASS(2013)89%£1245£395Grp 30-42£2045
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2013)88%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
AUDI A4(2011)82%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
JAGUAR XF(2014)84%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
AUDI A5(2013)85%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145

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 S-class.

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