Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A?

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 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A?

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 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A?

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 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A reliable?

Based on MOT data from 139 vehicles, the 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A has a first-time MOT pass rate of 67.6%, 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 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A?

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 C220 CDI Avantgde SE A (2004)

139 real MOT outcomes analysed • 67.6% first-time pass rate

2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A

CarHunch analysed 139 real MOT records for the 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A. 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 Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

This 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI is a serious reliability concern: only 40% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and these cars are failing on nearly one defect per vehicle on average. The absence of dangerous defects is the only bright spot here, but it doesn't offset the overall picture of a model that struggles badly with age.

At 155,600 miles median, these cars are well-worn for their age, which partly explains the failures—but the pass rate gap is too wide to blame mileage alone. If you're considering one, budget heavily for repairs and have a trusted mechanic inspect it thoroughly before purchase, paying particular attention to the diesel engine and running gear that typically drive these failures.

We have limited data for the 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

67.6%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.92

Over 3.1 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

156k

Middle half: 119k–191k

For context

These stats describe 139 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 139 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A cars.

Before you buy a 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A

Based on MOT data from 139 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 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.
🔍 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde 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.

155,619

typical

119,293

low mileage

191,298

high mileage

Half of all 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A vehicles fall between 119,293 and 191,298 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 119,293 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.

✓ 119,293–191,298 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE As sit.

⚠ Over 258,252 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 16% of 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE As are still active.

Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (16% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* 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

3.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.92

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A: All C220 CDI Avantgde SE A years → Which year to buy? →

2003 2005 2006

Or browse all models: Mercedes →

Compare with another model

See how the 2004 Mercedes C220 CDI Avantgde SE A stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on