Mercedes Sprinter (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 757 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,002

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1950cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1950cc5 years old757 tests50k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1950cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

85% 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.

85% of MOT tests on Mercedes Sprinters from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 757 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 50,032 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models3058th of 3,336(bottom 9%)

Rank among Mercedes models885th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average-7%(92% avg)

vs Mercedes average-2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

50,032

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 Mercedes Sprinter had 50,032 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2021 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Transit Custom

2019 · 2000cc Diesel

£2,002/year

87%

+2%

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About the 2021 Mercedes Sprinter

The 2021 Mercedes Sprinter is a van. Our records list a 1950cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 757 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 9% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 50,032 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Sprinter owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2021 Mercedes Sprinter Fuel Costs

The 1950cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2021 Mercedes Sprinter?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes Sprinter Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Sprinters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2021 Mercedes Sprinter

At 5 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

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.

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

Medium risk

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

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Low risk

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

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 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 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 Sprinter(2021)	85%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£2,002
Ford Transit Custom(2019)	87%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£2,002same

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 2021 Mercedes Sprinter

Is the 2021 Mercedes Sprinter reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2021 Mercedes Sprinters ended in a pass, from 757 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 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 2021 Mercedes Sprinter?

85% of 757 MOT tests on the 2021 Mercedes Sprinter ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3058th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 9%).

Which year Mercedes Sprinter has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes Sprinter has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1996 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Mercedes Sprinter is 50,032 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.