2004 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · AY04 AEY

This Mercedes-Benz C has maintained a consistent MOT pass record with no recorded defects across four consecutive tests, most recently passing on 23 September 2025 at 47,652 miles. The absence of advisories or failings suggests the vehicle has not experienced repeated mechanical issues requiring attention, though the record does not reveal whether routine servicing was performed between tests. The most recent MOT was conducted just over ten months ago, which is within the standard annual testing cycle, though the vehicle’s age and low mileage mean some components—particularly suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers—may now be approaching their expected service intervals. The lack of any advisory notes implies either diligent maintenance or deferred upkeep, but the buyer should verify whether critical components like brake pads, tyres, and fluid levels have been properly serviced outside the MOT scope. The recorded mileage of 47,652 miles over a 22-year span equates to approximately 2,166 miles per year, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The incremental increases between tests—ranging from 44 to 131 miles—suggest prolonged periods of inactivity rather than regular use. The most significant gap occurs between the 2022 and 2023 tests, where mileage only rose by 203 miles in a year, indicating the vehicle may have been stored for extended periods. While low mileage can reduce wear on high-stress components, it also raises concerns about fluid degradation (e.g., brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid) and potential corrosion from moisture accumulation in sealed systems. The lack of mileage variation also makes it difficult to assess whether the vehicle was driven under conditions that might have accelerated wear, such as urban stop-start traffic or heavy loads. Given the clean MOT history but the vehicle’s age, the buyer should prioritise an inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, which are prone to cracking or degradation over two decades. The brakes, though not flagged in the MOT, should be examined for uneven wear or binding calipers, as low mileage does not guarantee they have been serviced. Tyre tread depth and lateral wear patterns are critical—failing twice on tread in a previous life (if any) would suggest basic upkeep was neglected. Additionally, check for corrosion at wheel arches, sills, and underbody, as prolonged storage can accelerate rust development in critical structural areas. Fluid levels and condition (brakes, engine, transmission) must be verified, as stagnation can lead to contamination or failure. The absence of MOT advisories does not preclude latent issues, so a thorough mechanical inspection is essential.