Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A (2003)
2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A
CarHunch analysed 278 real MOT records for the 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A.
Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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This 2003 Mercedes C180 is in serious trouble: just 7.8% of examples pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and petrol versions fare even worse at 0.6% pass rate. No dangerous defects are recorded, which is the only positive, but the near-total failure rate signals fundamental reliability issues across this cohort.
The median mileage of 107,049 miles is reasonable for a 21-year-old car, yet these vehicles are still racking up an average of 0.14 failures per test, suggesting wear and systemic problems rather than isolated faults. Unless you have a trusted mechanic who knows this specific model and can perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection, avoid this car—the MOT data indicates it's become a money pit for most owners.
We have limited data for the 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.
These stats describe 278 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.
See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches
Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 278 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A cars.
Before you buy a 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A
Based on MOT data from 278 vehicles — here's what to check.
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Check the full MOT history.
0% 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. -
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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
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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
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (90%) | 251 | 75.3% | 0.02 |
Colour Breakdown
Based on 1,078 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A 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.
Half of all 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A vehicles fall between 78,877 and 107,049 miles.
2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A — Still on the Road
Numbers are thinning — 46% of 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE As are still active.
Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (46% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2022.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.
MOT History Averages
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Compare with another model
See how the 2003 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A stacks up against a rival.