MERCEDES CLK2008 · 1.8L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding corrosion-related components. While it passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 51,815 miles, this followed a failure just six days prior. The tester identified a fractured nearside front coil spring and corrosion across all four brake pipes. The fact that the brake pipes were covered in grease while showing corrosion suggests the previous owner may have attempted to mask surface rust or simply neglected to perform preventative replacement. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for an 18-year-old Mercedes, averaging approximately 2,800 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between August 2022 and September 2024, where the car covered only 4,665 miles over two years. This low-use pattern often explains the appearance of fractured coil springs and the inner-edge tyre wear noted in 2024, as long periods of standing frequently lead to the degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of moisture, which aligns with the brake pipe issues discovered in the 2025 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The recurring failure of all four brake pipes indicates that the metal lines are reaching the end of their service life and require proactive replacement to prevent future leaks. You should also inspect the remaining coil springs for similar stress or fractures and verify that the alignment is corrected to address the previous uneven tyre wear. Given the low mileage, close attention should also be paid to dry rot on tyres and perished rubber bushings, which often affect aged vehicles more than mileage-based wear.