2002 MERCEDES C1.8L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of deferred reactive repairs. While the car passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 139,688 miles, the record reveals persistent advisories regarding tyre wear and wheel bearings. The offside rear wheel bearing has exhibited slight play across both the 2025 and 2026 tests, suggesting that this component has not yet been replaced despite repeated flagging. The mileage profile is notably low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,820 miles per year over its life. The intervals between recent tests show consistent usage, with roughly 5,300 miles driven between March 2023 and March 2024, and another 3,600 miles between March 2024 and March 2025. This low annual mileage implies less strain on the drivetrain, but it can also lead to degradation of rubber-based components and seals if the vehicle has sat for long periods between uses. A buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension, as a fractured offside front coil spring caused a failure in March 2025. Although this was rectified to achieve the subsequent pass, the age of the vehicle means other springs should be inspected for fatigue or corrosion. The February 2026 test also noted three tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, which indicates potential alignment issues or simply neglect of basic consumable maintenance. A physical inspection of the offside rear wheel bearing is essential to determine if the play has progressed to the point of requiring immediate replacement.