Mercedes Unknown (2013)
2013 Mercedes Unknown
CarHunch analysed 5,753 real MOT records for the 2013 Mercedes Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2013 Mercedes cohort is in serious trouble: a 2.1% first-time pass rate against the UK average of 80% means these vehicles are failing MOT at a catastrophic rate, with diesel models performing even worse at 0.7%. The dangerous defect rate of 0.1% is low, but that's almost irrelevant given the overwhelming failure numbers suggest systematic mechanical or emissions problems across the fleet.
The median mileage of 38,249 miles is remarkably low for a 2013 car, yet the average failures remain negligible at 0.01 per vehicle—this paradox points to a data quality issue, possibly misclassified vehicles or incomplete service records in the MOT database. Before considering any 2013 Mercedes, get an independent pre-purchase inspection focused on emissions systems and have a specialist review its full MOT history, because the aggregate picture here is too broken to trust at face value.
What to check before buying a 2013 Mercedes Unknown
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 Unknown
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (98%) | 5,645 | 0.7% | 0.01 |
| Petrol (1%) | 56 | 71.2% | 0.27 |
| Diesel (1%) | 46 | 93.9% | 0.28 |
| Electric (0%) | 6 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2013 Mercedes Unknown vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2013 Mercedes Unknown vehicles fall between 24,814 and 67,855 miles.
2013 Mercedes Unknown — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 29 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (45% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2013 Mercedes Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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15.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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13.8%
Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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13.8%
Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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13.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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11.5%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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11.5%
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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10.8%
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play
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10.8%
Parking brake efficiency below requirements
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2013. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes Unknown?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.