2004 Mercedes SLK 2.0L Petrol · 50 RN

This 2004 Mercedes SLK presents with a roadworthy status supported by a very recent pass, but the maintenance trend is one of persistent, low-grade neglect rather than steady improvement. The car failed on the 5th of June 2026 at 77,296 miles solely due to a non-working offside front position lamp and a faulty offside rear stop lamp, both simple electrical faults that were rectified for a same-day pass. However, the accompanying advisory list is dominated by tyre deterioration across all four corners, with cracking, perishing, and inner or outer edge wear flagged on both front tyres and the nearside rear. This pattern of disregarding basic consumables has been a constant feature across three consecutive tests. The mileage pattern is consistent with light, routine annual use. The recorded mileages of 63,709 in May 2023, 68,161 in June 2024, 73,508 in June 2025, and 77,295 in June 2026 show steady additions of roughly 4,000 to 5,300 miles per year. There are no suspicious gaps or abrupt jumps in the record. The total of 77,295 miles over 22 years, averaging around 3,500 miles annually, aligns with a vehicle used for short trips or kept as a part-time car, rather than a heavily worked example. The record itself is clean and continuous, with no missing tests. Beyond the tyres, a buyer must inspect several mechanical items that show an advancing pattern of deterioration. The lower suspension arm ball joints have carried a slight play advisory on the offside front since June 2024, and the nearside front was added in June 2025. This is a wear item that will eventually require replacement for the test to continue without an advisory. The offside front and both rear coil springs were noted as corroded in June 2024, a structural concern that should be visually checked for further decay or fracture risk. An oil leak from the gearbox, noted as not excessive in June 2025, warrants a closer look for signs of worsening. The central exhaust box was flagged as corroded in May 2023, and though it has not reappeared, its age suggests a limited remaining service life. Rear brake pads were wearing thin at the 2023 test, and their current condition is not documented in later records, so state of the friction material and discs should be confirmed. The ongoing tyre cracking across multiple test years points to age-related rubber degradation, not just tread wear, meaning the set is likely due for replacement regardless of legal depth.