1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 3.0L Petrol · J96 RPK

This Mercedes-Benz 300 shows a stable but borderline maintenance pattern, with the most recent MOT tests occurring just over a year ago on 2024-07-11. The vehicle passed both the primary and supplementary tests at 206,265 miles, though the duplicate entries suggest either a retest or administrative duplication—neither revealed any defects. The last full pass before that was in June 2023 at 204,878 miles, indicating no recurring advisories or major failures over the past three years. However, the lack of defects does not preclude hidden wear; the vehicle’s age (35 years) and mileage (206,265) demand thorough inspection of high-wear components. The recorded mileage of 206,265 miles over roughly 35 years equates to an average of 5,893 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 (204,499 miles) and 2023 (204,878 miles) tests suggests minimal usage over that period—just 379 miles in a year. This could imply long periods of inactivity, which may accelerate corrosion in suspension components, wheel bearings, and body panels. Conversely, if the vehicle was actively driven at any point, the low mileage per year might mask deferred maintenance, particularly in fluid changes (brakes, power steering, differential) or periodic inspections like timing belt (if applicable) or valve adjustments. Given the absence of MOT defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on suspension integrity and corrosion. At this mileage and age, rear suspension bushes and coil springs are likely candidates for deterioration, as are front strut mounts and steering rack seals. The brakes, though not flagged, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary. Structural corrosion is another critical area—examine wheel arches, sills, and underbody for rust penetration, especially if the vehicle was stored in damp conditions. The dual MOT entries at the same mileage warrant verification of service records for fluids and timing components, as these are rarely caught by a basic roadworthiness test.