MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 185 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2045/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 3000cc
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 14 years old, 89% of MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 185 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 66,863 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
66,863
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED has 66,863 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2012 sits between the two at 89%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED
The 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED is a large car with a 3000cc diesel engine. 185 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 66,863 miles at 14 years old, MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 3000cc 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 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 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 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED
At 14 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 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED'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
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
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
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 2012 MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED(2012) | 89% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2013) | 88% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| JAGUAR XF(2014) | 84% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A5(2013) | 85% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
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.
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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AUDI A4
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