2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C1.8L Petrol

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the most recent inspection indicates a lapse in preventative maintenance standards. In the August 2025 test at 59,212 miles, the car failed due to an inoperative nearside dipped beam, a faulty registration plate lamp, and corroded rear coil springs. While these faults were rectified to secure a pass on the same day, the appearance of structural corrosion suggests the owner reacts only to MOT failures rather than performing proactive mechanical checks. The mileage data presents a significant inconsistency that warrants scrutiny. Between July 2023 at 53,221 miles and July 2024 at 92,111 miles, the vehicle covered 38,890 miles in a single year. However, the August 2025 record shows only 59,212 miles, representing a massive drop in recorded distance or a likely clerical data entry error. This discrepancy suggests the car was either driven an extreme amount in 2023 or sat stationary for long periods, which often leads to perished rubber components, dry seals, and brake corrosion despite the low overall mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear suspension and structural integrity. The tester flagged corroded rear coil springs in 2025, which indicates the beginning of surface rust spreading on the subframe or mounting points. Given the age of the vehicle and the erratic mileage, check for binding brake calipers and pitted brake discs which are prone to seizing when a car sits unused. Verify the electrical system thoroughly to ensure the headlamp and bulb failure was not a symptom of a deeper wiring harness issue or failing bulb module.