CarCostCheck

MERCEDES V (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 257 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2151cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel2151cc24 years old257 tests159k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2151cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2151cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 24 years old, 74% of MERCEDES Vs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 257 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 159,077 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars188th of 403(top 47%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1287th of 1,408(top 91%)
vs national average-8%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average+1%(73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

159,077

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MERCEDES V has 159,077 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2002 sits between the two at 74%.

MERCEDES V by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202497%7412,396 mi
202396%18835,586 mi
202293%10737,213 mi
202189%39829,456 mi
202088%59954,337 mi
201991%5,89988,757 mi
201887%5,79996,207 mi
201788%5,197117,261 mi
201688%3,460126,363 mi
201587%2,251144,371 mi
201083%4764,603 mi
200873%4180,371 mi
200782%4464,512 mi
200366%133126,103 mi
200274%257159,077 mi
200172%202128,393 mi
200061%14186,965 mi
199971%176116,167 mi
199864%14097,675 mi
199752%56100,667 mi

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About the 2002 MERCEDES V

The 2002 MERCEDES V is a family car with a 2151cc diesel engine. 257 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 159,077 miles at 24 years old, MERCEDES V owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2002 MERCEDES V Fuel Costs

The 2151cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2002 MERCEDES V?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% 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 2002 MERCEDES V

At 24 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 2002 MERCEDES V's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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 159k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2002 MERCEDES V stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES V(2002)74%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003)73%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468
HONDA CIVIC(2004)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2004)73%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2003)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468

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.

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