Mercedes SLK (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,692 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2295cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2295cc24 years old3,692 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2295cc)

~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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

81% of MOT tests on Mercedes SLKs from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 3,692 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,295 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models80th of 391(top 21%)

Rank among Mercedes models1022nd of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

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

vs Mercedes average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,295

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Mercedes SLK had 87,295 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2002 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,711/year

68%

-13%

Mercedes C

2004 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

72%

-9%

Honda CR-V

2004 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

70%

-11%

Land Rover Freelander

2004 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

70%

-11%

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About the 2002 Mercedes SLK

The 2002 Mercedes SLK is a premium car. Our records list a 2295cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,692 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 87,295 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes SLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

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 £1,958 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 2002 Mercedes SLK?

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 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes SLK Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes SLKs 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 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

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes SLK(2002)	81%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808
Renault Clio(2004)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£97
Mercedes C(2004)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£297
Honda CR-V(2004)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£297
Land Rover Freelander(2004)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£297

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 2002 Mercedes SLK

Is the 2002 Mercedes SLK reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2002 Mercedes SLKs ended in a pass, from 3,692 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Mercedes SLK 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 2002 Mercedes SLK?

81% of 3,692 MOT tests on the 2002 Mercedes SLK ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 80th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 21%).

Which year Mercedes SLK has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Mercedes SLK has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1996 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Mercedes SLK?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Mercedes SLK is 87,295 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.