MERCEDES VITO (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 401 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£3,107
£259/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3724cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £3107/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3724cc
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 27 years old, 67% of MERCEDES VITOs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 401 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,559 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
118,559
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 MERCEDES VITO has 118,559 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1999 sits between the two at 67%.
MERCEDES VITO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 30 | 8,898 mi | |
| 2023 | 90% | 138 | 34,230 mi | |
| 2022 | 91% | 501 | 59,717 mi | |
| 2021 | 88% | 4,675 | 62,567 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 5,461 | 69,552 mi | |
| 2019 | 84% | 15,564 | 94,618 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 11,705 | 105,200 mi | |
| 2017 | 83% | 16,514 | 128,006 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 12,065 | 130,835 mi | |
| 2015 | 80% | 9,882 | 140,680 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 9,119 | 154,008 mi | |
| 2013 | 78% | 9,645 | 167,479 mi | |
| 2012 | 77% | 8,730 | 168,448 mi | |
| 2011 | 76% | 6,819 | 168,028 mi | |
| 2010 | 76% | 8,085 | 177,934 mi | |
| 2009 | 75% | 7,897 | 177,659 mi | |
| 2008 | 74% | 8,480 | 172,432 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 8,446 | 172,589 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 7,080 | 171,206 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 3,857 | 154,561 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 1,698 | 143,135 mi | |
| 2003 | 69% | 885 | 126,821 mi | |
| 2002 | 67% | 740 | 136,829 mi | |
| 2001 | 67% | 452 | 123,331 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 253 | 116,943 mi | |
| 1999 | 67% | 401 | 118,559 mi | |
| 1998 | 66% | 494 | 110,818 mi | |
| 1997 | 66% | 203 | 105,658 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 MERCEDES VITO
The 1999 MERCEDES VITO is a performance with a 3724cc petrol engine. 401 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 118,559 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES VITO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 MERCEDES VITO Fuel Costs
The 3724cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 VITO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,107 (£259/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MERCEDES VITO Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES VITOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 MERCEDES VITO
At 27 years old, the MERCEDES VITO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 MERCEDES VITO'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 119k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 VITO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES VITO(1999) | 67% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £3107 |
| PORSCHE 911(1999) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
| JAGUAR XK8(1997) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2001) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
| JAGUAR XJ(1998) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£710 |
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
PORSCHE 911
1999 · 3387cc Petrol
JAGUAR XK8
1997 · 3995cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
2001 · 3950cc Petrol
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