1986 MERCEDES 4204.2L PETROL

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a successful MOT on 19 November 2025 at 71,159 miles. The maintenance trend appears stable, despite a minor failure just two days prior to that test. The November 2025 failure identified a rear fog lamp, incorrect headlamp aim, and both nearside and offside front ball joint dust covers. The immediate rectification of these faults suggests the owner is proactive in addressing safety-related defects. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a forty-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,779 miles per year. The data shows a significant period of inactivity between July 2017 and February 2023, where the car covered only 152 miles in six years. Between February 2023 and November 2025, the vehicle travelled another 132 miles. This low usage suggests the car is stored seasonally, which often leads to degradation of rubber components, seals, and fluid chemistry rather than mechanical wear from distance. A physical inspection must focus on the front suspension assembly, as the 2025 failure highlighted perished ball joint dust covers. While these were replaced, the buyer should check for play in the control arms and perished bushings which often crack with age regardless of mileage. The 2017 record noted corroded fuel pipes, necessitating a thorough visual check of the fuel system to ensure no further degradation or corrosion has occurred since repairs. Given the long periods of standing, the buyer should also inspect the brake discs for surface pitting and ensure the calipers are not seized due to inactivity.