Mercedes SLK (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 10,305 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1998cc21 years old10,305 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1998cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

78% of MOT tests on Mercedes SLKs from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 10,305 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,791 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models156th of 504(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1124th of 1,376(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+6%(72% avg)

vs Mercedes average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,791

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Mercedes SLK had 82,791 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2005 scores 78%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

-5%

Vauxhall Astra

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

-7%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-6%

Audi A3

2007 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

75%

-3%

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About the 2005 Mercedes SLK

The 2005 Mercedes SLK is a premium car. Our records list a 1998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 10,305 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 82,791 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes SLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 Mercedes SLK Fuel Costs

The 1998cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2005 Mercedes SLK?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2005 Mercedes SLK

At 21 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%. With 10,305 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 83k 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 2005 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(2005)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2007)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414
Audi A3(2007)	75%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

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 2005 Mercedes SLK

Is the 2005 Mercedes SLK reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2005 Mercedes SLKs ended in a pass, from 10,305 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Mercedes SLK cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Mercedes SLK?

78% of 10,305 MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes SLK ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 156th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top half).

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 2005 Mercedes SLK?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes SLK is 82,791 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.