Mercedes 260e Auto (1991)
1991 Mercedes 260e Auto
CarHunch analysed 698 real MOT records for the 1991 Mercedes 260e Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1991 Mercedes 260E is a reliability disaster by modern standards—just 2% of these cars pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. At nearly 33 years old with a median mileage of 124,135, these are aged vehicles in genuinely poor condition, and while dangerous defects are rare (0%), the near-universal need for repairs makes this a project car, not transport.
These cars average 0.04 failures and 0.1 advisories per test, which sounds low but is misleading: it reflects how few even attempt to pass. If you're considering one, accept that you're buying a restoration or specialist project—factor in serious mechanical work before it's remotely roadworthy, and only proceed if you have genuine interest in the car itself or its heritage value.
What to check before buying a 1991 Mercedes 260e 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 260e 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%) | 692 | 1.7% | 0.03 |
| Diesel (0%) | 3 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 3 | 88.9% | 0.33 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Mercedes 260e Auto 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 1991 Mercedes 260e Auto vehicles fall between 112,309 and 152,812 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mercedes 260e Auto?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.