MERCEDES SLR (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 30 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Total Tests (2024)
30
Avg Mileage
21,069 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2004 MERCEDES SLR reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 20 years old, 100% of MERCEDES SLRs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 21,069 miles.
How does the 2004 MERCEDES SLR compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MERCEDES SLR has 21,069 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 2004 MERCEDES SLR cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific MERCEDES SLR?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 MERCEDES SLR
The 2004 MERCEDES SLR is a performance with a 5439cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 21,069 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES SLR 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.
2004 MERCEDES SLR Fuel Costs
The 5439cc 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 2004 MERCEDES SLR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2004 MERCEDES SLR
At 20 years old, the MERCEDES SLR 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. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2004 MERCEDES SLR
The MERCEDES SLR is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-24%) from 8,352 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2003) 86% pass rate (-14%) from 5,173 tests
- MERCEDES ML (2006) 80% pass rate (-20%) from 3,946 tests
- ASTON MARTIN DB9 (2005) 93% pass rate (-7%) from 2,229 tests