2012 MERCEDES-BENZ 3.0L DIESEL

The vehicle currently holds a solid roadworthiness rating, but the maintenance history indicates a clear deterioration trend over the past three years, with the most recent test in April 2026 failing on parking brake imbalance. This failure, recorded at 24,399 miles, represents a significant drop-off compared to the previous passing test in August 2023, suggesting that the car has likely experienced a substantial increase in mechanical stress or reduced lubrication since the last inspection. The mileage pattern reveals a notable gap between the 2024 and 2023 records, with the 2024 test occurring at 24,200 miles and the 2023 test at 24,142 miles, a difference of only 8 miles. This discrepancy suggests that the vehicle was maintained with a much lower frequency than anticipated, or that the mileage was recorded in a way that obscured the true wear profile. While the 2026 test is still within the acceptable range, the lack of a clear trend of improvement over the last two years points to a lack of proactive upkeep rather than a gradual accumulation of wear. To assess the current condition, the buyer must inspect the suspension components and the brake system in person, as the history flags specific failures in the rear suspension bushings and ball joints in the 2026 test. Given the recent failure on brake imbalance, the brakes are likely in a compromised state, requiring immediate replacement and re-testing. The buyer should also verify the status of the front fog lights and offside track rod end ball joints, noting that the 2024 test failed on these items, which implies that these components may also require replacement before the vehicle can be sold.