Mercedes SLR (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 45 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5439cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol5439cc21 years old45 tests14k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5439cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on Mercedes SLRs from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 45 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 13,894 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models90th of 504(top 18%)

Rank among Mercedes models939th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+12%(72% avg)

vs Mercedes average-3%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

13,894

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Mercedes SLR had 13,894 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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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Mercedes SLR by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	84%	45	13,894 mi
2004	100%	30	21,069 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

76%

-8%

Mercedes SL

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+2%

Mercedes ML

2006 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-4%

Aston Martin DB9

2005 · 5935cc Petrol

£3,003/year

93%

+9%

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About the 2005 Mercedes SLR

The 2005 Mercedes SLR is a premium performance car. Our records list a 5439cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 45 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 13,894 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

2005 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 £1,958 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 2005 Mercedes SLR?

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 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2005 Mercedes SLR

At 21 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 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 out

At 21 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 risk

Larger 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 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.

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 SLR 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 SLR(2005)	84%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Mercedes CLK(2004)	76%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes SL(2003)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Mercedes ML(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Aston Martin DB9(2005)	93%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150

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 SLR

Is the 2005 Mercedes SLR reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2005 Mercedes SLRs ended in a pass, from 45 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Mercedes SLR 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 2005 Mercedes SLR?

84% of 45 MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes SLR ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 90th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 18%).

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Mercedes SLR?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Mercedes SLR is 13,894 miles, which is significantly below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.