Get Started

Mercedes Benz 260 (1991)

362 real MOT outcomes analysed • 73.9% first-time pass rate

1991 Mercedes Benz 260

CarHunch analysed 362 real MOT records for the 1991 Mercedes Benz 260. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 6.1% below UK average
73.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
127,697
typical mileage
97,228–160,008 middle half
13.5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
2.14
avg MOT failures per car
over 8.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1991 Mercedes Benz 260

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Mercedes Benz 260

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 360 73.9% 2.14
Diesel (1%) 2 80.8% 2.5

Mileage Distribution

Most 1991 Mercedes Benz 260 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

97,228
low mileage
127,697
typical
160,008
high mileage

Half of all 1991 Mercedes Benz 260 vehicles fall between 97,228 and 160,008 miles.

1991 Mercedes Benz 260 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 28 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (35% of peak).

79 28 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

8.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.14
Avg failures per vehicle
9.2
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1991 Mercedes Benz 260

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 42.2%
    Oil leak
  • 30.5%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 27.5%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 24.9%
    Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
  • 24.7%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 23.1%
    Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
  • 22.6%
    Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
  • 21.3%
    Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Mercedes Benz 260?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Mercedes Benz 260:

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1992