Mercedes 200 (1980)
1980 Mercedes 200
CarHunch analysed 1,168 real MOT records for the 1980 Mercedes 200. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1980 Mercedes 200 is essentially non-viable as a regular-use vehicle: just 10% pass their MOT first time against the UK average of 80%, and petrol versions don't pass at all in this dataset. No dangerous defects were recorded across 1,168 vehicles, which is the only silver lining, though it's likely these cars are too old and rarely driven to accumulate such serious faults.
With an average mileage of just 67,319 miles for a 44-year-old car, these are predominantly garage queens or show pieces rather than working transport—if you're considering one, expect substantial restoration work and treat it as a hobby project rather than a practical purchase.
What to check before buying a 1980 Mercedes 200
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 200
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (95%) | 1,113 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (5%) | 54 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1980 Mercedes 200
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
50%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
50%
Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded
-
50%
Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
-
50%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded
-
50%
Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration
-
50%
Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel
-
50%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
-
25%
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1980. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes 200?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.