2018 Mercedes-Benz E 2.0L Petrol · LS68 HRP

The 2.0-litre petrol E-Class typically returns around 35-45 mpg in real-world driving, depending on journey type, giving an annual fuel cost of roughly £1,400-£1,800 at current prices for 8,000 miles. Road tax sits in a reasonable band for a post-2017 petrol of this size, costing around £150-£200 per year after the standard rate is applied. Insurance for an E-Class saloon is typically in group 30-38 depending on the exact trim, so budget £500-£900 annually. Routine maintenance through a specialist tends to cost more than mainstream brands — a Mercedes service is typically £250-£450, and brake or suspension work can be pricier. Overall, expect annual running costs in the region of £2,300-£3,000 for moderate use.

Although this car's MOT record is clean with no advisories recorded, a physical inspection should still cover the points commonly flagged on the E-Class. The aggregate failure data for this model highlights suspension arms and engine MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) issues as the top reasons for MOT failure, so visually inspect the front suspension bushes, arms, and bushes for wear or knocking, and check for any warning lights on the dashboard during a test drive. Inspect the alloy wheels for kerbing damage (common on premium saloons), examine the interior trim for wear on high-contact areas, and check that all electronics — infotainment, climate control, seat memory functions — operate correctly. On the 2.0-litre petrol, listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start and check for blue smoke on overrun, which can indicate oil consumption concerns. Finally, verify all tyres are of matching brand and have adequate tread, and confirm the spare wheel or repair kit is present.