MERCEDES-BENZ CLC2010 · 2.1L DIESEL

The most recent MOT record, dated 23 October 2025 at 109,992 miles, shows a pass, but only after a failure on the same day for a fractured offside front coil spring. That is a serious structural fault, not a minor wear item, and the fact it failed first time and passed on a retest suggests the spring was replaced between the two tests. The overall maintenance trend is mixed. The car has a history of recurring corrosion-related advisories, particularly around rear brake pipes and the rear sub-frame, which indicates long-standing exposure to moisture and road salt without fully preventative underbody treatment. The rear sub-frame corrosion advisory has persisted across multiple tests, most recently flagged in October 2025 as corroded but not seriously weakened. That wording offers some reassurance on structural integrity, yet it remains a watch point on a sixteen-year-old vehicle. The mileage progression is unusually flat. Between the February 2023 test at 109,517 miles and the October 2025 test at 109,992 miles, the car covered only 475 miles across more than two and a half years. That is well below the already modest annual average of roughly 6,874 miles typical for its age. Such a prolonged period of minimal use raises its own concerns. Seals, rubber bushes, brake discs, and tyres deteriorate from age and standing as much as from mileage. The February 2023 failure for worn and perishing tyres supports that pattern, suggesting the car sat unused for extended periods rather than being regularly driven. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the front suspension, specifically checking the replaced offside coil spring and its nearside counterpart for even ride height and signs of fatigue. The offside front wheel bearing, flagged for slight play in October 2025, warrants a road test and a physical check for roughness or knock. Rear brake lines need close visual inspection under the car, looking for fresh replacements or any remaining original pipes with surface corrosion or protective coatings masking deeper pitting. The rear sub-frame should be examined for corrosion progression, particularly around mounting points and box sections. Beyond the MOT items, check the exhaust system given the defective rear mounting noted in October 2025, and inspect all tyre dates and sidewalls for age cracking, as the low-mileage pattern increases the risk of perished rubber despite adequate tread. Overall, the car appears mechanically functional at its last test, but the corrosion history and long periods of inactivity demand a thorough underbody and suspension inspection before purchase.