MERCEDES-BENZ C2012 · 1.6L PETROL

This 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows a concerning decline in mechanical condition, particularly within the last twelve months. While the vehicle has covered a moderate 93,178 miles over its 14-year lifespan, the rapid accumulation of serious failures in October 2025 suggests that maintenance has not kept pace with the vehicle's age. The MOT history reveals a clear worsening trend. After several years of relatively minor advisories or clean passes, the 2025 inspection recorded a significant failure involving critical safety components, including suspension ball joints, wheel bearings, and extensive corrosion on both front and rear brake pipes. The presence of underseal applied immediately after these failures is a major red flag, as it is often used to mask structural or corrosion issues from future inspectors. The recurring pattern of brake pipe corrosion, noted as far back as 2024, indicates that the vehicle may have been exposed to harsh conditions or long periods of damp storage, which can accelerate degradation despite the moderate annual mileage. The transition from minor bush wear in previous years to excessive ball joint and bearing play in 2025 points to a vehicle that is now requiring substantial investment to remain roadworthy. Given the recent history, you should approach this purchase with extreme caution. The primary risk is that the underseal is hiding persistent, deep-seated corrosion that has not been properly rectified. Before committing to a purchase, you must inspect the underside of the vehicle thoroughly.