MERCEDES SLR (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5439cc Petrol
Great Choice
100% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 18 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 5439cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
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 22 years old, 100% of MERCEDES SLRs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 21,069 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
21,069
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MERCEDES SLR has 21,069 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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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 2026, 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 22 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 £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 22 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MERCEDES SLR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 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 2004 MERCEDES SLR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES SLR(2004) | 100% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2004) | 76% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£210 |
| MERCEDES SL(2003) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| MERCEDES ML(2006) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| ASTON MARTIN DB9(2005) | 93% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
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
MERCEDES CLK
2004 · 4966cc Petrol
MERCEDES SL
2003 · 4966cc Petrol
MERCEDES ML
2006 · 4966cc Petrol
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