How Long Do Mercedes Last?
Mercedes Benz vehicles have an average reliability rating—when they are properly cared for, they can last 15-17 years.
Written by Lynell Spencer
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Mercedes cars have an average reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 according to customer surveys. These cars are fast, powerful, stylish, and sophisticated—but may not be as reliable as other brands.
As a luxury brand, Mercedes is one of the most well-known on the market. You can count on these automobiles to provide an amazing driving experience—but the brand isn’t known for dependability.
Although Mercedes engines are top of the line, it is often their use of cutting-edge technology that can cause problems with their cars over time. So if you are in the market, do some research—and maybe consider leasing before you buy.
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Are Mercedes reliable?
While some models are better than others, Mercedes is considered average overall when it comes to reliability. As with all cars, proper maintenance and responsible driving will extend the life of your vehicle. Mercedes is ranked 27 out of the 32 major car brands when it comes to reliability.
Their annual repair cost averages $908, and Mercedes owners can expect to need repair 0.7 times per year. This means that while you may not have frequent trips to the mechanic, those trips are going to cost you.
How many miles can a Mercedes last?
With the right care, a Mercedes will likely take you 200,000-250,000 miles before needing major repair. There are a lot of factors that will affect that number—the way you drive, how you use your car, and the way you maintain it.
How many years can a Mercedes last?
You can expect to get 15-17 years out of your Mercedes, as long as you maintain it properly.
Key Takeaway Mercedes offers a high-performance luxury experience, but vehicles may become less dependable in the long run.
The most reliable Mercedes models
If you have your heart set on a Mercedes and reliability is a top priority, these are the three Mercedes models that rank the highest in safety and dependability.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The
C-Class
got the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),
provided the car is equipped with an optional front crash prevention system. This is the highest mark a vehicle can earn from IIHS.- 2021 starting price: Starting at $42,650
- True cost to own: $67,123
- 2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100 (great)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The
GLC
got the 2021 Top Safety Pick award
(award applies only to vehicles with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights).- 2021 starting price: Starting at $44,250
- True cost to own: $73,934
- 2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 78/100 (average)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2021
GLE
won Edmunds Top Rated Luxury SUV
for the second year in a row. Also, cars equipped with optional front crash prevention got IIHS's 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award
.- 2022 starting price: $57,200
- True cost to own: N/A
- 2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 78/100 (average)
MORE: The 5 characteristics of a reliable car insurance company
The least reliable Mercedes models
Here are the Mercedes Benz models that you should avoid if reliability is high on your ‘must have’ list:
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
In a recent
JD Power study,
the GLS
ranks fourth out of seven Large Premium SUV models. This comes just a year after a complete redesign, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS ranks below most other luxury SUVs in terms of overall desirability. - 2021 starting price: Starting at $99,900
- True cost to own: N/A
- 2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 71/100 (average)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
- 2021 starting price: Starting at $39,100
- True cost to own: $$65,128
- 2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 67/100 (fair)
Key Takeaway Choosing the right Mercedes Benz model can make a big difference in dependability.
How to make your Mercedes last longer
The most important things you can do to keep your Benz running are to take it in for regular maintenance and drive it responsibly. In addition, here are some specific tips for Mercedes owners:
- Keep your vehicle covered or in a garage. Rain, hail, and wind can cause damage to the body of your car, and too much direct sunlight can cause the paint to fade.
- Keep your car clean. It is important for protecting the paint job, but more importantly, it will help prevent rust and other build-up that can damage the body and the undercarriage of your car.
- Inspect your brakes on a routine basis. Worn brake pads or excessive grooves in the brake drums need to be addressed immediately to ensure your brakes will work safely when you need them most.
- Have the electrical system inspected regularly by amechanic that is familiar with Mercedes electrical systems. Electrical systems are often the cause of the major issues with the Mercedes brand. Regular inspections and maintenance can remedy small issues before they become more problematic.
- Once your Mercedes has over 80,000 miles on it,have the transmission serviced. Have the transmission fluid checked any time you take your car in for routine maintenance, and continue to have the transmission serviced every five years.
MORE: How to make your car last longer
How to find affordable Mercedes insurance
Car insurance options are everywhere—but not all insurance is created equal. It is important to make sure that you have the right coverage for your luxury car and that you aren’t getting ripped off in the process.
Insurance providers all offer various incentives and discounts. Make sure you are getting what you want at the best possible price with
Jerry
, the top-rated insurance app and licensed broker
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What is high mileage for a Mercedes?
The average mileage for a Mercedes is 12,000-15,000 miles per year. Anything over that is considered high miles. So, if you are thinking of buying used, look for a Mercedes with low miles—less than 10,000 per year.
Are Mercedes expensive to maintain?
On average, Mercedes owners spend a little over $900 per year on maintenance and repair. This is fairly average for similar cars.
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