MERCEDES SPRINTER (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,701 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,845
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2987cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1845/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 89% of MERCEDES SPRINTERs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,701 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,989 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
60,989
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER has 60,989 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2020 sits between the two at 89%.
MERCEDES SPRINTER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92% | 156 | 64,875 mi | |
| 2021 | 85% | 757 | 50,032 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 1,701 | 60,989 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 2,195 | 90,467 mi | |
| 2018 | 87% | 2,215 | 98,916 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 2,626 | 108,282 mi | |
| 2016 | 83% | 2,447 | 120,235 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 3,151 | 137,553 mi | |
| 2014 | 80% | 3,008 | 140,703 mi | |
| 2013 | 79% | 2,484 | 146,792 mi | |
| 2012 | 75% | 2,351 | 138,262 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 2,140 | 150,457 mi | |
| 2010 | 78% | 2,065 | 144,887 mi | |
| 2009 | 79% | 1,741 | 143,543 mi | |
| 2008 | 77% | 2,264 | 141,659 mi | |
| 2007 | 76% | 2,122 | 148,349 mi | |
| 2006 | 74% | 1,788 | 142,955 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 1,716 | 132,628 mi | |
| 2004 | 74% | 1,821 | 132,046 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 1,675 | 143,352 mi | |
| 2002 | 73% | 1,618 | 137,516 mi | |
| 2001 | 75% | 1,138 | 146,632 mi | |
| 2000 | 73% | 702 | 143,745 mi | |
| 1999 | 72% | 606 | 149,141 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 749 | 147,305 mi | |
| 1997 | 74% | 466 | 142,617 mi | |
| 1996 | 68% | 200 | 148,195 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER
The 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 1,701 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 60,989 miles at 6 years old, MERCEDES SPRINTER owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER Fuel Costs
The 2987cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,845 (£154/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER
At 6 years old, the MERCEDES SPRINTER offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Medium riskLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2020 MERCEDES SPRINTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES SPRINTER(2020) | 89% | £1245 | £195 | Grp 30-42 | £1845 |
| MERCEDES E(2019) | 90% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£155 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£155 |
| FORD RANGER(2019) | 87% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £1840-£5 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£155 |
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
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES E
2019 · 2925cc Diesel
MERCEDES GLC
2018 · 2987cc Diesel
FORD RANGER
2019 · 3198cc Diesel
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