Used car guide

2008 Mercedes Unclassified: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Mercedes Unclassifieds, from 107 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 107 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

107MOT tests in 2025
72%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
5,400typical miles a year
33%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2008 Mercedes Unclassified MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    33% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    27% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    23% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    21% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    11% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Mercedes Unclassified?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022147Lights and electrics 9%
2007118Lights and electrics 26%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Mercedes Unclassifieds registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score