Mercedes 230 Ce Auto (1981)
1981 Mercedes 230 Ce Auto
CarHunch analysed 224 real MOT records for the 1981 Mercedes 230 Ce Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1981 Mercedes 230 CE is in serious trouble on the MOT bench: just 30% pass first time compared to the UK average of 80%, and the petrol version shows a 0% pass rate across 222 vehicles analysed. None have recorded dangerous defects, but the near-universal failure pattern suggests these cars are reaching the test in deeply compromised condition—likely electrical, fuel system, or emissions issues endemic to 43-year-old examples.
The 39,500-mile average is deceptively low for a car of this age, suggesting most survivors in the MOT database are garage queens or recently recommissioned rather than honest runners. If you're considering one, treat the 30% pass rate as a strong signal: budget heavily for a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist, as the reliability picture is grim enough that only meticulous maintenance will keep it roadworthy.
What to check before buying a 1981 Mercedes 230 Ce Auto
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 230 Ce Auto
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 (99%) | 222 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
MOT History Averages
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