CarCostCheck

MERCEDES SPRINTER (2006)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,788 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2151cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel2151cc20 years old1,788 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2151cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2151cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 20 years old, 74% of MERCEDES SPRINTERs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,788 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,955 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars287th of 575(top 50%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1282th of 1,408(top 91%)
vs national average-8%(82% avg)
vs 2006 cars average+1%(73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

142,955

Average miles

vs

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER has 142,955 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2006 sits between the two at 74%.

MERCEDES SPRINTER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202292%15664,875 mi
202185%75750,032 mi
202089%1,70160,989 mi
201988%2,19590,467 mi
201887%2,21598,916 mi
201788%2,626108,282 mi
201683%2,447120,235 mi
201583%3,151137,553 mi
201480%3,008140,703 mi
201379%2,484146,792 mi
201275%2,351138,262 mi
201179%2,140150,457 mi
201078%2,065144,887 mi
200979%1,741143,543 mi
200877%2,264141,659 mi
200776%2,122148,349 mi
200674%1,788142,955 mi
200573%1,716132,628 mi
200474%1,821132,046 mi
200375%1,675143,352 mi
200273%1,618137,516 mi
200175%1,138146,632 mi
200073%702143,745 mi
199972%606149,141 mi
199872%749147,305 mi
199774%466142,617 mi
199668%200148,195 mi

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About the 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER

The 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER is a family car with a 2151cc diesel engine. 1,788 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 142,955 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES SPRINTER owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER Fuel Costs

The 2151cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES SPRINTER Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES SPRINTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER

At 20 years old, the MERCEDES SPRINTER 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 143k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2006 MERCEDES SPRINTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES SPRINTER(2006)74%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007)73%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2007)71%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
AUDI A4(2008)78%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468

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.

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Related Guides

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