MERCEDES UNKNOWN1986 · 3.0L PETROL

The most recent MOT on 2026-05-08 recorded wear on the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers , along with a deteriorating exhaust rear silencer and a non-excessive oil leak. These issues mirror those from the 2023 MOT, indicating a persistent pattern of suspension component degradation and exhaust system wear . The 2021 MOT included a failed test due to thin brake pads and severe corrosion in the suspension mounting area, but subsequent MOTs have not repeated these specific defects. The vehicle’s mileage of 70,491 miles over 40 years equates to roughly 1,762 miles annually, which is very low for its age. This suggests either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion, rubber degradation, and fluid stagnation. However, the low mileage also implies reduced wear on high-mileage components like brakes and drivetrain parts. The absence of defects in the 2022 MOT highlights that some issues may have been addressed, but the recurrence of suspension and exhaust concerns points to ongoing maintenance needs . The trend shows no clear worsening of major safety risks, but the repeated suspension and exhaust issues indicate a need for proactive inspection. The corrosion in the 2021 MOT (floor to inner wheel arch) was not mentioned in later reports, suggesting potential repairs, though this is not confirmed. The oil leak remains a recurring minor issue, likely manageable but worth monitoring.