MERCEDES V (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 176 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2295cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 11 points below average.
Check a specific MERCEDES V
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2295cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this MERCEDES V
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 27 years old, 71% of MERCEDES Vs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 176 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,167 miles.
Got a MERCEDES V you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
116,167
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 MERCEDES V has 116,167 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific MERCEDES V?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2024 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 52%. The 1999 sits between the two at 71%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mercedes V
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1999 MERCEDES V
The 1999 MERCEDES V is a large car with a 2295cc petrol engine. 176 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 116,167 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES V owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 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 1999 MERCEDES V?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 1999 MERCEDES V
At 27 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 MERCEDES V's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 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 riskLarger 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 116k 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 riskHigh-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 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 1999 MERCEDES V stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES V(1999) | 71% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1997) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| FORD FOCUS(2000) | 67% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
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.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
1999 · 2494cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1997 · 1800cc Petrol
BMW Z3
1997 · 1900cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes V.
Cars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific MERCEDES V
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a MERCEDES V? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data