Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A (2004)
2004 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A
CarHunch analysed 279 real MOT records for the 2004 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2004 Mercedes C180 is a serious reliability concern: only 4.9% of these cars pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and petrol versions have a 0% pass rate on first attempt across 261 vehicles tested. While dangerous defects are rare at 0%, the structural failure rate is alarming enough that any buyer should treat this model with extreme caution.
At an average mileage of 113,805 miles for a 20-year-old car, these are well-used examples, which partly explains the struggles—but the near-total failure to pass first time suggests systemic issues beyond simple age. Have a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist non-negotiable; the low advisory rate (0.0 per vehicle) combined with the catastrophic pass rate indicates problems that aren't being flagged in routine checks until MOT time.
What to check before buying a 2004 Mercedes C180 Komp. Classic SE A
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 C180 Komp. Classic SE A
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 (94%) | 261 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (6%) | 18 | 75.1% | 1.61 |
MOT History Averages
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