Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

How many 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

39% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class reliable?

Based on MOT data from 1,022 vehicles, the 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class has a first-time MOT pass rate of 78.9%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Mercedes Benz R Class (2007)

1,022 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78.9% first-time pass rate

2007 Mercedes Benz R Class

CarHunch analysed 1,022 real MOT records for the 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2007 Mercedes R-Class barely keeps pace with the UK average at 78.9% first-time pass rate, but a serious red flag is that 38.8% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect during their MOT history—well above the typical threshold—making this a model to inspect very carefully before purchase. Diesel versions, which dominate the used market here (915 of 1,022 vehicles), pass slightly worse at 78.4% compared to the rare petrol models at 82.9%.

At around 89,000 miles median, these cars are showing their age with an average of 3.42 failures and 18 advisories per test, suggesting ageing components and systems that need ongoing attention. If you're seriously considering one, budget for maintenance surprises and have a pre-purchase inspection focus hard on brake systems, suspension, and electrical faults—the advisory count signals chronic wear rather than isolated issues.

The 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class has a decent first-time pass rate (78.9%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

78.9%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

38.8%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

3.42

Over 14.9 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

89k

Middle half: 73k–105k

For context

🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 18 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,022 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,022 Mercedes Benz R Class cars.

Before you buy a 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class

Based on MOT data from 1,022 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 38.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (90%)	915	78.4%	3.5
Petrol (10%)	106	82.9%	2.72

Mileage Distribution

Most 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

89,235

typical

72,938

low mileage

105,359

high mileage

Half of all 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class vehicles fall between 72,938 and 105,359 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 72,938 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 72,938–105,359 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2007 Mercedes Benz R Classs sit.

⚠ Over 142,234 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2007 Mercedes Benz R Class — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 26% of 2007 Mercedes Benz R Classs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 228 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (26% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

14.9

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

3.42

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Mercedes Benz R Class: All R Class years → Which year to buy? →

2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Or browse all models: Mercedes Benz →

Compare with another model

See how the 2007 Mercedes Benz R Class stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing