MERCEDES 3801981 · 3.8L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a clean MOT pass on 18 May 2026 at 73,511 miles. This recent result indicates an improving trend in maintenance standards following a significant mechanical failure in early 2024. While the most recent test showed no defects, the history reveals that the vehicle recently addressed critical structural and safety issues that emerged during the previous year. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a vehicle from 1981, averaging approximately 1,634 miles per year. The data shows long periods of minimal use, with only 1,240 miles covered between March 2023 and March 2024, and just 672 miles between the 2024 failure and the 2026 pass. This low usage frequency often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seals, and the acceleration of corrosion due to the vehicle standing stationary rather than mechanical wear. A physical inspection must focus on the structural repairs made after the 7 March 2024 failure. The tester previously flagged serious corrosion on the offside front lower suspension arm and excessive corrosion on the nearside rear inner suspension mounting area. A buyer should verify that these areas involved professional welding or reinforcement rather than cosmetic surface treatments, as structural integrity was compromised at these points. The exhaust leak noted in November 2021 should also be checked to ensure no further degradation has developed in the central system.