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MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED (2005)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 273 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3498cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol3498cc21 years old273 tests101k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3498cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3498cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,907
Per month£242/mo
Per week£56/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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

At 21 years old, 79% of MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 273 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,492 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars158th of 526(top 30%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1132th of 1,408(top 80%)
vs national average-3%(82% avg)
vs 2005 cars average+7%(72% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,492

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED has 101,492 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2005 sits between the two at 79%.

MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202196%27014,108 mi
202093%23717,059 mi
201995%17625,080 mi
201892%20240,291 mi
201791%20039,620 mi
201687%32645,907 mi
201591%25272,531 mi
201486%28983,046 mi
201389%24552,132 mi
201289%18566,863 mi
201190%12663,066 mi
201092%9894,655 mi
200979%174100,957 mi
200879%354111,482 mi
200781%259105,351 mi
200681%24095,112 mi
200579%273101,492 mi
200479%29891,119 mi
200373%178102,840 mi
200284%214129,941 mi
200173%107121,123 mi
200073%195116,472 mi
199978%223144,511 mi
199881%155139,571 mi
199766%65104,116 mi
199666%101175,170 mi
199578%45212,804 mi
199474%8685,110 mi
199389%47159,142 mi
199260%40117,020 mi
199173%33102,932 mi
199083%5895,507 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED

The 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED is a performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 273 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 101,492 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs

The 3498cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED

At 21 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 101k 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.

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 2005 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED(2005)79%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2907
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)75%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
PORSCHE 911(2006)90%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2097-£810

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

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Related Guides

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