Mercedes S280 Auto (1994)
1994 Mercedes S280 Auto
CarHunch is tracking 183 1994 Mercedes S280 Auto vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
This 1994 Mercedes S280 is a significant reliability gamble—only 40% pass their MOT first time, half the UK average of 80%. The petrol variant shows a 0% pass rate across 182 vehicles tested, which is an extreme red flag suggesting either systematic issues with this specific model year or that the surviving examples are in genuinely poor condition.
At an average mileage of 172,606 miles, these cars are well-used, yet the near-zero failure and advisory counts suggest those that do pass have been meticulously maintained rather than mechanically sound. If you're considering one, expect to budget heavily for a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist, as the data indicates this generation requires expert care to be roadworthy.
We have 183 1994 Mercedes S280 Auto vehicles on record but don't have enough MOT test data to show reliable statistics for this cohort.
What to check before buying a 1994 Mercedes S280 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 S280 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%) | 182 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
Found a specific Mercedes S280 Auto?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.