Mercedes Benz Slc (2016)
2016 Mercedes Benz Slc
CarHunch analysed 2,307 real MOT records for the 2016 Mercedes Benz Slc. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC passes its MOT first time at 89.2%, comfortably ahead of the UK average of 80%, which is encouraging—but a serious red flag emerges when you look deeper: 32.1% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above the threshold where buyers should ask harder questions. Petrol versions perform slightly better at a 90.5% pass rate compared to 87.8% for diesel, suggesting the petrol engine is the more forgiving choice if you're choosing between the two.
At nearly 32,000 miles on average, these cars are being driven reasonably hard for their age, yet they're still averaging almost six advisories per vehicle and bumping up against one actual failure—a sign that the SLC's complexity demands diligent maintenance to stay reliable. Before buying one, check the full service history meticulously and budget for preventative work on suspension and electronics; this is not a car to skimp on servicing.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 2.7 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2016 Mercedes Benz Slc
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.
- ⚠️ 32.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 Slc
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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 (51%) | 1,167 | 90.5% | 0.82 |
| Diesel (49%) | 1,140 | 87.8% | 1.06 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 Mercedes Benz Slc 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.
Half of all 2016 Mercedes Benz Slc vehicles fall between 17,670 and 35,896 miles.
2016 Mercedes Benz Slc — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,179 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 Mercedes Benz Slc
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
31.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
30.4%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
19.7%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
19.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
19.3%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
18%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
15.2%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
-
10.3%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes Benz Slc?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.