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Mercedes S-Class (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,145 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,491/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

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,491
Per month£208/mo
Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on Mercedes S-Classs from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 2,145 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,065 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models138th of 588(top 24%)
Rank among Mercedes models684th of 1,376(top half)
vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)
vs 2013 models average+9%(80% avg)
vs Mercedes average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,065

Average miles

vs

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Mercedes S-Class had 108,065 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2013 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2013 Mercedes S-Class

The 2013 Mercedes S-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,145 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2013 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 108,065 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes S-Class owners cover more miles than the average driver.

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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

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.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Mercedes S-Class(2013)89%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)88%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)82%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2014)84%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)85%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same

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 2013 Mercedes S-Class

Is the 2013 Mercedes S-Class reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2013 Mercedes S-Classs ended in a pass, from 2,145 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Mercedes S-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 Mercedes S-Class?

89% of 2,145 MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes S-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 138th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top 24%).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes S-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1992 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2013 Mercedes S-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes S-Class is 108,065 miles, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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