MERCEDES SL (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 528 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
528
Avg Mileage
78,534 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2001 MERCEDES SL reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 90% of MERCEDES SLs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 528 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,534 miles.
How does the 2001 MERCEDES SL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 MERCEDES SL has 78,534 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES SL?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2001 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2001 MERCEDES SL cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES SL by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 97% | 851 | 19,987 mi |
| 2018 | 93% | 1,022 | 25,750 mi |
| 2017 | 94% | 1,847 | 30,630 mi |
| 2016 | 95% | 2,240 | 36,109 mi |
| 2015 | 92% | 2,222 | 40,591 mi |
| 2014 | 92% | 2,892 | 47,357 mi |
| 2013 | 89% | 2,796 | 49,450 mi |
| 2012 | 90% | 1,136 | 50,476 mi |
| 2011 | 92% | 579 | 50,602 mi |
| 2010 | 88% | 955 | 62,402 mi |
| 2009 | 87% | 1,222 | 63,020 mi |
| 2008 | 90% | 1,940 | 65,610 mi |
| 2007 | 88% | 1,792 | 71,215 mi |
| 2006 | 87% | 1,832 | 73,640 mi |
| 2005 | 88% | 2,430 | 75,394 mi |
| 2004 | 88% | 4,036 | 77,676 mi |
| 2003 | 86% | 5,173 | 75,808 mi |
| 2002 | 88% | 2,083 | 74,421 mi |
| 2001 | 90% | 528 | 78,534 mi |
| 2000 | 86% | 955 | 84,195 mi |
| 1999 | 87% | 1,617 | 84,924 mi |
| 1998 | 86% | 2,018 | 89,595 mi |
| 1997 | 87% | 2,117 | 93,418 mi |
| 1996 | 88% | 1,778 | 93,971 mi |
| 1995 | 85% | 1,627 | 99,248 mi |
| 1994 | 88% | 1,244 | 93,271 mi |
| 1993 | 88% | 462 | 85,167 mi |
| 1992 | 87% | 312 | 90,571 mi |
| 1991 | 86% | 288 | 78,703 mi |
| 1990 | 81% | 186 | 88,429 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES SL?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2001 MERCEDES SL
The 2001 MERCEDES SL is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 528 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 7% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 78,534 miles at 23 years old, MERCEDES SL 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.
2001 MERCEDES SL Fuel Costs
The 3199cc 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 2001 MERCEDES SL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES SL Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES SLs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 MERCEDES SL
At 23 years old, the MERCEDES SL 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2001 MERCEDES SL
The MERCEDES SL is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-13%) from 9,406 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-12%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2003) 82% pass rate (-8%) from 5,008 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (2002) 86% pass rate (-4%) from 4,972 tests