How much does a 2002 MERCEDES SLK cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 MERCEDES SLK?

The 2002 MERCEDES SLK has a 81% MOT pass rate based on 3,692 tests in 2026. This ranks 85 out of 403 cars from 2002.

Which year MERCEDES SLK is most reliable?

The 2016 MERCEDES SLK has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 76%.

MERCEDES SLK (2002)

Q: Is the 2002 MERCEDES SLK reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MERCEDES SLKs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,692 tests. That's 1 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2002 MERCEDES SLK?

The average mileage for a 2002 MERCEDES SLK is 87,295 miles, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,692 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2295cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2295cc24 years old3,692 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2295cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2295cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 24 years old, 81% of MERCEDES SLKs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,692 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,295 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars85th of 403(top 21%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1037th of 1,408(top 74%)

vs national average-1%(82% avg)

vs 2002 cars average+8%(73% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,295

Average miles

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MERCEDES SLK has 87,295 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2002 sits between the two at 81%.

MERCEDES SLK by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	89%	2,572	42,977 mi
2015	87%	11,055	48,710 mi
2014	87%	11,284	55,581 mi
2013	85%	11,106	62,322 mi
2012	84%	13,361	64,940 mi
2011	85%	5,660	61,469 mi
2010	80%	4,472	66,541 mi
2009	81%	5,347	71,532 mi
2008	80%	6,876	75,187 mi
2007	79%	7,700	77,695 mi
2006	79%	7,884	80,213 mi
2005	78%	10,305	82,791 mi
2004	78%	6,598	84,132 mi
2003	78%	3,327	85,438 mi
2002	81%	3,692	87,295 mi
2001	82%	4,005	90,848 mi
2000	79%	3,545	90,918 mi
1999	79%	4,295	87,626 mi
1998	79%	3,523	89,671 mi
1997	81%	2,190	90,802 mi
1996	76%	126	98,709 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

RENAULT CLIO

2004 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-13%

MERCEDES C

2004 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

72%

-9%

HONDA CR-V

2004 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,017/year

70%

-11%

LAND ROVER FREELANDER

2004 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

70%

-11%

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About the 2002 MERCEDES SLK

The 2002 MERCEDES SLK is a large car with a 2295cc petrol engine. 3,692 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2002 cars for reliability.

With an average of 87,295 miles at 24 years old, MERCEDES SLK 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.

2002 MERCEDES SLK Fuel Costs

The 2295cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2002 MERCEDES SLK?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES SLK Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES SLKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 MERCEDES SLK

At 24 years old, the MERCEDES SLK 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 MERCEDES SLK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 87k 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 2002 MERCEDES SLK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES SLK(2002)	81%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2427
RENAULT CLIO(2004)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217-£210
MERCEDES C(2004)	72%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£410
HONDA CR-V(2004)	70%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£410
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2004)	70%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£410

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.