Mercedes SLK (2013)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 11,106 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,153
£263/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
5461cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Mercedes SLKs from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 11,106 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 62,322 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,322
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2013 Mercedes SLK had 62,322 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2013 scores 85%. 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
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About the 2013 Mercedes SLK
The 2013 Mercedes SLK is a premium performance car. Our records list a 5461cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 11,106 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 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 62,322 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes SLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2013 Mercedes SLK Fuel Costs
The 5461cc 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 2013 Mercedes SLK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2013 Mercedes SLK
At 13 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 11,106 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 13 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.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 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 2013 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(2013) | 85% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2011) | 85% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| Jaguar F-Type(2014) | 94% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003-£150 |
| Jaguar XK(2014) | 93% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003-£150 |
| Mercedes S-Class(2011) | 87% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
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 2013 Mercedes SLK
Is the 2013 Mercedes SLK reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2013 Mercedes SLKs ended in a pass, from 11,106 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2013 Mercedes SLK cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2013 Mercedes SLK?
85% of 11,106 MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes SLK ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 246th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 Mercedes SLK?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Mercedes SLK is 62,322 miles, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2011 · 4999cc Petrol
Jaguar F-Type
2014 · 5000cc Petrol
Jaguar XK
2014 · 5000cc Petrol
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