Mercedes V (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 133 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,841

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2151cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 16 points below average.

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Diesel2151cc23 years old133 tests126k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2151cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,841

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

66% of MOT tests on Mercedes Vs from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 133 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,103 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models373rd of 429(bottom 14%)

Rank among Mercedes models1361st of 1,376(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-6%(72% avg)

vs Mercedes average-21%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,103

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Mercedes V had 126,103 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2003 scores 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Volkswagen Golf

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+6%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

+7%

Land Rover Discovery

2005 · 2600cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+12%

Vauxhall Astra

2003 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+6%

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About the 2003 Mercedes V

The 2003 Mercedes V is a premium car. Our records list a 2151cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 133 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 14% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 126,103 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes V owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2003 Mercedes V?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mercedes V Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Vs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 20 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Mercedes V

At 23 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 126k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2003 Mercedes V stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes V(2003)	66%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,841
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£614
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641-£200
Land Rover Discovery(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£200
Vauxhall Astra(2003)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£614

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Mercedes V

Is the 2003 Mercedes V reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 2003 Mercedes Vs ended in a pass, from 133 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Mercedes V cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mercedes V?

66% of 133 MOT tests on the 2003 Mercedes V ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 373rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 14%).

Which year Mercedes V has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes V has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2000 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Mercedes V?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mercedes V is 126,103 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.