2008 Mercedes CLK 3.0L Petrol · 9000 CG

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive preventative care. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 146,514 miles passed, the car carried multiple advisories regarding suspension wear and brake components. The trend is stable but concerning, as faults such as anti-roll bar linkage issues and oil leaks have persisted across several testing cycles, suggesting that components are only addressed when they approach or reach failure thresholds. At 146,514 miles over 18 years, the Mercedes maintains a relatively low average of approximately 8,140 miles per year. This consistent usage is typical for a luxury coupe of this age and indicates the vehicle has not been sitting excessively. The record shows steady mileage progression, with roughly 6,000 miles covered between the August 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 5,000 miles in the following year. This regular rate of travel likely explains the gradual degradation of rubber components and hydraulic lines seen in the report. A buyer must pay close attention to the front and rear suspension, as the anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and suspension arm bushes have been flagged repeatedly since 2023. The 2025 advisory specifically notes play in the nearside rear linkage and severely deteriorated dust covers on the front, which will eventually lead to failure. The front oil leak has been a constant presence for the last three years; while currently deemed not excessive, it requires a physical inspection to determine if it is a minor gasket leak or a more significant seal failure. The braking system requires thorough scrutiny due to documented corrosion in the rear brake pipes and deteriorated hoses that caused failures in 2023 and 2024. Although these appear to have been addressed, the 2025 test flagged thin rear brake pads, indicating the consumables are now nearing the end of their life. An inspection should also check the structural integrity of the exhaust mounting and gearbox mounts, as these were previously points of failure in the 2023 test history.