1991 Mercedes 300 3.0L Diesel · H433 OEV

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While the most recent 2025 test at 96,084 miles passed, it followed a significant failure just nine days prior at 95,842 miles. That failure highlighted critical issues including excessive wear on both front lower suspension arm ball joints and a missing wheel fixing. Although these appear to have been rectified, the presence of a minor exhaust leak in the subsequent pass suggests the exhaust system is beginning to degrade and requires attention to prevent future emissions failures. At 35 years old, the recorded mileage of 96,084 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 2,745 miles per year. The data shows consistent but low-intensity usage, with roughly 8,400 miles covered between November 2024 and November 2025. This low mileage profile suggests less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, but the long intervals between tests for a vehicle of this age often lead to the degradation of rubber components and seals, which is consistent with the recurring reports of deteriorated dust covers and perished wheel bearings seen in the record. A buyer must meticulously inspect the front suspension geometry, as the record shows repeated failures with ball joints and arm dust covers across 2023, 2024, and 2025. The 2024 report of fluctuating rear service brakes indicates potentially warped discs or sticking calipers, which should be checked for thickness and even wear. Furthermore, the recurring issue of exposed cords and worn tyre edges in 2023 suggests a history of neglecting basic consumables. A physical inspection of the structural integrity, specifically the sills and suspension mounting points, is essential, as low-mileage older often suffer from hidden corrosion if left stationary for long periods.