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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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2151cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
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?
Mileage Analysis
159,077
Average miles
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
| 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
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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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 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 2002 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(2002) | 74% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2004) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2004) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2003) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2003 · 1896cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
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