Mercedes SLS (2010)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 230 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,003

£250/month

MOT Pass Rate

94%

Excellent

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

6208cc Petrol

Great Choice

94% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 12 points above average.

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Petrol6208cc16 years old230 tests19k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 6208cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£3,003

Per month£250/mo

Per week£58/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

94% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

94% of MOT tests on Mercedes SLSs from 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 230 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 18,857 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2010 models27th of 558(top 5%)

Rank among Mercedes models322nd of 1,376(top 24%)

vs average of all models+12%(82% avg)

vs 2010 models average+19%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average+7%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

18,857

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2010 Mercedes SLS had 18,857 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 94%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes SLS by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	98%	43	8,376 mi
2013	100%	57	15,132 mi
2012	97%	119	15,337 mi
2011	95%	317	19,562 mi
2010	94%	230	18,857 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Bentley Continental

2012 · 5998cc Petrol

£3,003/year

95%

+1%

Aston Martin DB9

2008 · 5935cc Petrol

£3,003/year

92%

-2%

Mercedes SL

2010 · 6208cc Petrol

£3,153/year

88%

-6%

Aston Martin DBS

2010 · 5935cc Petrol

£3,003/year

95%

+1%

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About the 2010 Mercedes SLS

The 2010 Mercedes SLS is a premium performance car. Our records list a 6208cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 230 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 5% of all 2010 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 18,857 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes SLS 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.

2010 Mercedes SLS Fuel Costs

The 6208cc 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 2010 Mercedes SLS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Mercedes SLS Reliability Trend

The Mercedes SLS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2010 Mercedes SLS

At 16 years old, the Mercedes SLS 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.

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 16 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 2010 Mercedes SLS 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 SLS(2010)	94%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003
Bentley Continental(2012)	95%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Aston Martin DB9(2008)	92%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Mercedes SL(2010)	88%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£150
Aston Martin DBS(2010)	95%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same

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 2010 Mercedes SLS

Is the 2010 Mercedes SLS reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2010 Mercedes SLSs ended in a pass, from 230 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2010 Mercedes SLS cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Mercedes SLS?

94% of 230 MOT tests on the 2010 Mercedes SLS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 27th of 558 models first registered in 2010 (top 5%).

Which year Mercedes SLS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Mercedes SLS has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 2010 the lowest at 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2010 Mercedes SLS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 Mercedes SLS is 18,857 miles, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.