MERCEDES SLK (2014)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 11,284 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5461cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 5461cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 12 years old, 87% of MERCEDES SLKs from 2014 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 11,284 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 55,581 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
55,581
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2014 MERCEDES SLK has 55,581 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2014 sits between the two at 87%.
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 2014 MERCEDES SLK
The 2014 MERCEDES SLK is a performance with a 5461cc petrol engine. 11,284 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2014, the average MOT pass rate is 81%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 55,581 miles at 12 years old, MERCEDES SLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2014 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2014 MERCEDES SLK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2014 MERCEDES SLK
At 12 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 11,284 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2014 MERCEDES SLK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 12 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 2014 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(2014) | 87% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| JAGUAR F-TYPE(2014) | 94% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| JAGUAR XK(2014) | 93% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| AUDI R8(2016) | 97% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| BENTLEY BENTAYGA(2016) | 97% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
JAGUAR F-TYPE
2014 · 5000cc Petrol
JAGUAR XK
2014 · 5000cc Petrol
AUDI R8
2016 · 5204cc Petrol
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