MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 155 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests (2024)
155
Avg Mileage
139,571 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,900
Is the 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 81% of MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 155 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 139,571 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED has 139,571 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 sits between the two at 81%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 270 | 14,108 mi |
| 2020 | 93% | 237 | 17,059 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 176 | 25,080 mi |
| 2018 | 92% | 202 | 40,291 mi |
| 2017 | 91% | 200 | 39,620 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 326 | 45,907 mi |
| 2015 | 91% | 252 | 72,531 mi |
| 2014 | 86% | 289 | 83,046 mi |
| 2013 | 89% | 245 | 52,132 mi |
| 2012 | 89% | 185 | 66,863 mi |
| 2011 | 90% | 126 | 63,066 mi |
| 2010 | 92% | 98 | 94,655 mi |
| 2009 | 79% | 174 | 100,957 mi |
| 2008 | 79% | 354 | 111,482 mi |
| 2007 | 81% | 259 | 105,351 mi |
| 2006 | 81% | 240 | 95,112 mi |
| 2005 | 79% | 273 | 101,492 mi |
| 2004 | 79% | 298 | 91,119 mi |
| 2003 | 73% | 178 | 102,840 mi |
| 2002 | 84% | 214 | 129,941 mi |
| 2001 | 73% | 107 | 121,123 mi |
| 2000 | 73% | 195 | 116,472 mi |
| 1999 | 78% | 223 | 144,511 mi |
| 1998 | 81% | 155 | 139,571 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 65 | 104,116 mi |
| 1996 | 66% | 101 | 175,170 mi |
| 1995 | 78% | 45 | 212,804 mi |
| 1994 | 74% | 86 | 85,110 mi |
| 1993 | 89% | 47 | 159,142 mi |
| 1992 | 60% | 40 | 117,020 mi |
| 1991 | 73% | 33 | 102,932 mi |
| 1990 | 83% | 58 | 95,507 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED
The 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED is a large car with a 2874cc diesel engine. 155 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 139,571 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 2874cc 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 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIEDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED
At 26 years old, the MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 1998 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED
The MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-11%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-5%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-6%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-9%) from 3,080 tests