Mercedes SLC (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,408 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2996cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol2996cc10 years old5,408 tests41k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2996cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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 SLCs from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 5,408 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 41,461 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models221st of 539(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models677th of 1,376(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+4%(85% avg)

vs Mercedes average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

41,461

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Mercedes SLC had 41,461 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 89%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes SLC by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	98%	87	13,659 mi
2020	94%	169	20,514 mi
2019	94%	1,972	21,880 mi
2018	92%	3,335	28,655 mi
2017	90%	7,762	35,860 mi
2016	89%	5,408	41,461 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,808/year

87%

-2%

BMW 5 Series

2018 · 2998cc Petrol

£2,413/year

91%

+2%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2018 · 2995cc Petrol

£2,413/year

93%

+4%

Mercedes GLC

2016 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,808/year

89%

same

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About the 2016 Mercedes SLC

The 2016 Mercedes SLC is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2996cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,408 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 41,461 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes SLC owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2016 Mercedes SLC Fuel Costs

The 2996cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2016 Mercedes SLC?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 SLC Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes SLCs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 Mercedes SLC

At 10 years old, the Mercedes SLC 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. With 5,408 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 10 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 risk

Larger 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 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.

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 2016 Mercedes SLC stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes SLC(2016)	89%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2014)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same
BMW 5 Series(2018)	91%	£1,958	£200	Grp 30-42	£2,413-£395
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2018)	93%	£1,958	£200	Grp 30-42	£2,413-£395
Mercedes GLC(2016)	89%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same

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 2016 Mercedes SLC

Is the 2016 Mercedes SLC reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2016 Mercedes SLCs ended in a pass, from 5,408 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 2016 Mercedes SLC cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2016 Mercedes SLC?

89% of 5,408 MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes SLC ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 221st of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).

Which year Mercedes SLC has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes SLC has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2016 the lowest at 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Mercedes SLC?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Mercedes SLC is 41,461 miles, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.