2009 MERCEDES SPRINTER2.1L DIESEL

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 26 November 2025 at 126,559 miles, but the test flagged two critical tyre conditions and a steering linkage issue, indicating maintenance has deteriorated rather than improved. The nearside front and rear tyres were again noted as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear, a repeat of the same advisories from the February 2025 test, suggesting prolonged neglect of tyre rotation or alignment. The new advisory on the offside front inner steering linkage ball joint having slight play is a developing concern that could compromise handling if left unaddressed. The recorded mileage shows consistent annual use of approximately 7,400 miles, aligning with typical commercial van usage. There is no evidence of long-term storage or erratic mileage spikes; the gap between the February and November 2025 tests is unusually short at just nine months, which may indicate frequent use or a deliberate effort to monitor condition ahead of a sale. The absence of defects in the March 2023 and 2024 tests suggests a period of stable upkeep, but the sudden recurrence of tyre and steering issues in the last two tests points to declining attention to routine maintenance. A buyer must inspect the tyres immediately for uneven wear patterns and measure tread depth across the full width of each tread groove, as edge wear often signals misalignment or worn suspension components. The steering linkage ball joint requires physical inspection for play, grease leakage, or cracked rubber boots, and should be replaced if any movement is detected beyond minor tolerance. The parking brake failure in February 2023, though resolved, indicates potential issues with cable tension or rear brake adjustment, so the rear brake drums, shoes, and cables should be checked for corrosion or binding. There are no records of structural corrosion or exhaust emissions failures, but given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough underbody inspection for rust on wheel arches, sills, and chassis members is essential.