1984 Mercedes 240 D 2.4L Diesel · HIB 3537

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, though the maintenance history reveals significant inconsistencies in testing preparation. The most recent test on May 8, 2024 at 293,250 miles passed with no defects recorded, indicating the car currently meets the minimum safety standards. However, the failure just one month prior in April 2024 at the same mileage suggests that mechanical issues were rectified specifically to pass the inspection. This pattern points to a reactive maintenance approach rather than a proactive service schedule. The mileage data presents a critical anomaly that suggests an odometer malfunction or a recording error. Between December 2021 and January 2023, the vehicle recorded 29,325 miles, yet by the December 2022 test, the figure jumped to 293,250 miles. This leap of over 260,000 miles in a single year is physically impossible for a standard 42-year-old Mercedes under normal use. While the average of 7,000 miles per year is typical for the age, the discrepancy makes any assessment of the actual wear on the drivetrain or suspension components unreliable. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection to verify the structural integrity of the chassis and floor pans. Given the age of the vehicle and the erratic mileage data, hidden corrosion in the sills, wheel arches, and suspension mounting points is a priority. The failures in 2022 and 2024, despite having no recorded defects in this specific summary, imply the vehicle has required immediate attention to remain roadlegal. Inspect the brake system for binding calipers and check the suspension bushes for perished rubber components, which are common on high-mileage diesel engines of this era.