Mercedes SLC (2017)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,762 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,413
£201/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2996cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £2,413/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
90% of MOT tests on Mercedes SLCs from 2017 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 7 years old. That's based on 7,762 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 35,860 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
35,860
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2017 Mercedes SLC had 35,860 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-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%. The 2017 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mercedes SLC by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 Mercedes SLC
The 2017 Mercedes SLC is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2996cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,762 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 35,860 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes SLC owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2017 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 2017 Mercedes SLC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,413 (£201/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £200 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 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 2017 Mercedes SLC
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 7,762 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 outAt 9 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2017 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(2017) | 90% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413 |
| BMW 5 Series(2018) | 91% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2018) | 93% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
| BMW X3(2019) | 92% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
| Mercedes GLC(2019) | 93% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
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 2017 Mercedes SLC
Is the 2017 Mercedes SLC reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2017 Mercedes SLCs ended in a pass, from 7,762 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2017 Mercedes SLC cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,413 a year (£201 a month): £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Mercedes SLC?
90% of 7,762 MOT tests on the 2017 Mercedes SLC ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 206th of 540 models first registered in 2017 (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 2017 Mercedes SLC?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2017 Mercedes SLC is 35,860 miles, which is below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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
BMW 5 Series
2018 · 2998cc Petrol
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2018 · 2995cc Petrol
BMW X3
2019 · 2998cc Petrol
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