2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class · 24,373 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 39.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 22 A-Class years (24,373 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- 39.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 0% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 83,018
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 24,373
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: about average for its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: about average for its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 9.4% of tests fail here (48% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 18% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.3%
- Suspension13.3%
- Brakes12.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.4%
- Body, chassis and structure7.3%
- Tyres5.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.56%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.18%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.89%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.82%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.51%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.41%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (21.04%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.22%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.58%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.63%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (6.29%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz A-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz A-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 39.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 22 A-Class years (24,373 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.56% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.18% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (3.89% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows 83,018 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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