MERCEDES V (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 140 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
140
Avg Mileage
97,675 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1998 MERCEDES V reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 64% of MERCEDES Vs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 140 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,675 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES V compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES V has 97,675 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 V?
The most reliable year is the 2024 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 52%. The 1998 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES V cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES V by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 97% | 74 | 12,396 mi |
| 2023 | 96% | 188 | 35,586 mi |
| 2022 | 93% | 107 | 37,213 mi |
| 2021 | 89% | 398 | 29,456 mi |
| 2020 | 88% | 599 | 54,337 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 5,899 | 88,757 mi |
| 2018 | 87% | 5,799 | 96,207 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 5,197 | 117,261 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 3,460 | 126,363 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 2,251 | 144,371 mi |
| 2010 | 83% | 47 | 64,603 mi |
| 2008 | 73% | 41 | 80,371 mi |
| 2007 | 82% | 44 | 64,512 mi |
| 2003 | 66% | 133 | 126,103 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 257 | 159,077 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 202 | 128,393 mi |
| 2000 | 61% | 141 | 86,965 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 176 | 116,167 mi |
| 1998 | 64% | 140 | 97,675 mi |
| 1997 | 52% | 56 | 100,667 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES V?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MERCEDES V
The 1998 MERCEDES V is a large car with a 2295cc petrol engine. 140 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 94% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 97,675 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES V owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MERCEDES V Fuel Costs
The 2295cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 1998 MERCEDES V?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MERCEDES V Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES Vs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 22 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MERCEDES V
At 26 years old, the MERCEDES V 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 2024 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 1998 MERCEDES V
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (+3%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+14%) from 7,815 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1997) 76% pass rate (+12%) from 5,880 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+11%) from 5,268 tests