Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb?

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 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb?

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 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb?

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.

Is the 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb reliable?

Based on MOT data from 113 vehicles, the 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb has a first-time MOT pass rate of 68%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb?

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.

CarHunch

Get Started

Mercedes 208d Lwb (1997)

113 real MOT outcomes analysed • 68% first-time pass rate

1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb

CarHunch analysed 113 real MOT records for the 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

This 1997 Mercedes 208D is in serious trouble on the MOT: just 12.6% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, meaning nearly 9 in 10 fail their test. With a dangerously low first-time pass rate across the entire diesel fleet (12.8%), this van demands a full pre-purchase inspection and realistic budget for immediate repairs—this isn't a maintained example we're looking at.

These vehicles are typically high-mileage at 170,000+ miles, and the pattern of 0.45 average failures per test combined with 1.2 advisories suggests accumulated wear rather than catastrophic design flaws. Before buying, have a trusted diesel mechanic evaluate it independently, because MOT failure rates this severe indicate either systematic neglect across the model or very real durability issues that will cost you money.

We have limited data for the 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

68%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

4.4%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.45

Over 1.9 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

170k

Middle half: 149k–188k

For context

These stats describe 113 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.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 113 Mercedes 208d Lwb cars.

Before you buy a 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb

Based on MOT data from 113 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 4.4% 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 (99%)	112	68%	0.46

Mileage Distribution

Most 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb 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.

170,354

typical

149,198

low mileage

188,216

high mileage

Half of all 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb vehicles fall between 149,198 and 188,216 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 149,198 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.

✓ 149,198–188,216 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwbs sit.

⚠ Over 254,091 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.9

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.45

Avg failures per vehicle

1.2

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 1997 Mercedes 208d Lwb stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on