1987 Mercedes S-Class 3.0L Petrol · VGS 2

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 22 August 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing an unbroken run of clean passes that stretches back through the tests undertaken in August 2024, August 2023, and July 2022. Across four consecutive annual examinations there is not a single advisory or failure point noted on the official DVSA record, which suggests that the car has either been exceptionally well prepared for each test or that it genuinely remains in very sound mechanical condition. While the absence of advisories is encouraging, it is worth bearing in mind that MOT testing on a vehicle of this vintage is limited in scope and does not assess many wear-related items such as interior condition, oil leaks from the engine or transmission, or the condition of components not specifically examined under the test. The overall trend therefore appears stable, but the clean record should not be taken as conclusive proof of mechanical perfection given the age of the car. With only 21,250 miles recorded over approximately 39 years, annual usage works out at roughly 545 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even for a cherished or collector-owned vehicle. Such a figure strongly implies long periods of standing or only occasional use, and this pattern carries specific mechanical implications. Components that suffer more from time and inactivity than from mileage accumulation are the ones most likely to cause trouble here, and the MOT record will not necessarily reveal problems in those areas. It is reasonable to expect some degree of degradation in rubber and polymer components, internal corrosion in brake and fuel systems, and oxidation within the engine and transmission even if the car has been garaged and well cared for. A prospective buyer should focus attention on age-related deterioration rather than assuming that low recorded mileage equates to a near-new car. Tyres should be closely inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, as rubber compounds harden and deteriorate over time regardless of tread depth, and any tyres fitted more than around six years ago should be replaced irrespective of remaining tread. Brake discs and calipers will be highly susceptible to standing corrosion, so the calipers should be checked for free movement and signs of binding or seized pistons, and the discs examined for severe pitting or lipping that could cause brake shudder on test. The 12V battery and charging system should be load tested, as prolonged standing rapidly depletes battery life. All fluid systems, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and fuel, degrade over calendar years, so the service history should be scrutinised to confirm recent changes regardless of mileage. On a test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clunks or rattles indicative of perished bushes, watch for uneven braking response, monitor for any warning lights on the dashboard, and check for signs of fluid leaks beneath the car after it has been standing. Given the vehicle's age, it is also prudent to inspect the bodywork, sills, wheel arches, and underbody areas for corrosion, as the MOT visual inspection may not always reveal the full extent of structural rust on a 39-year-old car. Examine the exhaust system for internal corrosion and blown gaskets, as standing and condensation damage frequently compromise older exhausts. Verify that the cooling system has been flushed and refilled within the last few years, that the timing chain or belt has been replaced according to age rather than mileage, and that all electrical functions operate correctly including lights, instruments, and climate control. Finally, ensure that the service book and documentation are complete and stamped, and consider commissioning an independent pre-purchase inspection from a specialist familiar with this marque, as their expert knowledge of common age-related faults will provide reassurance that the clean MOT history genuinely reflects the car's overall condition.