Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto?

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 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto?

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 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto?

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 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 102 vehicles, the 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 70.8%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto?

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.

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Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto (2003)

102 real MOT outcomes analysed • 70.8% first-time pass rate

2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto

CarHunch analysed 102 real MOT records for the 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto. 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 E220 CDI is a serious red flag: only 5.6% pass on the first attempt versus the UK average of 80%, meaning nearly 95% of these cars fail their MOT on initial presentation. With zero dangerous defects recorded across the 102 vehicles analysed, the failures aren't safety-critical, but the sheer volume suggests systemic problems—likely suspension, emissions, or wear items—that persistently plague this generation.

These cars are running at 171,810 miles median, which is high for a 21-year-old and explains some wear, but the real issue is that owners face repeated MOT visits and repair costs to get these through. If you're serious about one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist and expect to spend money on getting it MOT-ready; casual buyers should look elsewhere.

We have limited data for the 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

70.8%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.08

Over 1.2 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

172k

Middle half: 156k–180k

For context

These stats describe 102 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 102 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto cars.

Before you buy a 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto

Based on MOT data from 102 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 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto 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.

171,810

typical

156,157

low mileage

179,867

high mileage

Half of all 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto vehicles fall between 156,157 and 179,867 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 156,157 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.

✓ 156,157–179,867 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Autos sit.

⚠ Over 242,820 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.08

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto: All E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto years → Which year to buy? →

2004 2005 2006

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See how the 2003 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on