MERCEDES SL (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,796 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4663cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4663cc
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 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 13 years old, 89% of MERCEDES SLs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,796 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 49,450 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,450
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 MERCEDES SL has 49,450 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2013 sits between the two at 89%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2013 MERCEDES SL
The 2013 MERCEDES SL is a performance with a 4663cc petrol engine. 2,796 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 49,450 miles at 13 years old, MERCEDES SL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2013 MERCEDES SL Fuel Costs
The 4663cc 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 2013 MERCEDES SL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 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 2013 MERCEDES SL
At 13 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2013 MERCEDES SL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 13 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.
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 2013 MERCEDES SL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES SL(2013) | 89% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2011) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| JAGUAR F-TYPE(2014) | 94% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| JAGUAR XK(2014) | 93% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| PORSCHE PANAMERA(2014) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
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
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2011 · 4999cc Petrol
JAGUAR F-TYPE
2014 · 5000cc Petrol
JAGUAR XK
2014 · 5000cc Petrol
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