1989 Mercedes 709 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 709 models manufactured in 1989, based on 39 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Mercedes 709 MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mercedes 709 has an MOT pass rate of 56.4% based on 39 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 173,492 miles on the odometer. With a 43.6% failure rate, the 1989 709 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mercedes 709 is Body, Structure and General Items, responsible for 5.1% of failures. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs range from £100–500+. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions is the second most common issue at 2.6%. Steering follows at 2.6%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 709 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Body, Structure And General Items | 5.1% | 2 |
| 2 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 2.6% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 2.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 173,492 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.30 | 5.1% | 2 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.15 | 2.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.15 | 2.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mercedes 709 has an MOT pass rate of 56.4% based on 39 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 173,492 miles on the odometer. With a 43.6% failure rate, the 1989 709 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mercedes 709, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, structure and general items: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely. With an average mileage of 173,492 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Body, Structure and General Items — 5.1% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 5.1% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 709 models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 2.6% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 709 models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Steering — 2.6% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 709 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.