2008 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.7L Petrol · BT08 AAN

Running a 2008 petrol B-Class with 171,653 miles will not be cheap. Fuel economy for the 1.7-litre petrol is typically in the mid-30s mpg, and given the high mileage, consumption may be worse if engine wear has set in. Road tax for a petrol car of this engine size and Euro 4 emissions rating sits in a moderate band, while insurance should be reasonable given the B-Class's family-car classification. The bigger cost driver is the mileage itself — at over 170,000 miles, items such as cambelt, water pump, suspension bushes, and braking components are all likely candidates for replacement. Expect annual running costs in the region of £1,400-£1,800 including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance.

On inspection, pay particular attention to the front suspension — both MOT failures flagged front-end issues, including a fractured coil spring and a shock absorber leak. Check for uneven tyre wear, as three tyres were flagged as edge-worn at the 2024 test, which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry problems. Inspect the braking system thoroughly, given the 2025 brake efficiency failure; check discs, pads, and flexible hoses for wear and corrosion. The ball joint dust cover failure in 2024 suggests the joint itself should be checked for play. Given the mileage, also inspect the engine for oil leaks, listen for timing chain or cambelt noise on start-up, and check the condition of all coolant hoses. Finally, examine the bodywork for rust, particularly around wheel arches and undercarriage, as corrosion can develop on a car of this age and use level.