2005 MERCEDES MOTOR CARAVAN6.4L Diesel

This Mercedes caravan passed its most recent MOT test on 26 April 2025, yet the record shows an unusual dual entry—one pass and one fail at the exact same mileage and date, both with no defects noted. The absence of advisories or failures across five consecutive tests suggests the vehicle has not experienced recurring mechanical issues, though the duplicate entries warrant confirmation of their validity. The last test occurred just over three years ago, which is well beyond the standard one-year MOT cycle, raising immediate questions about why the vehicle was not retested sooner. A buyer should prioritise verifying these anomalies with the seller before proceeding. The recorded mileage of 125,472 miles over 21 years equates to an average of approximately 5,975 miles per year, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests—particularly the 10,000-mile jump from 103,374 miles in April 2022 to 105,994 miles in April 2023—suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or limited use. This pattern could indicate storage without regular servicing, which may accelerate wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers. Conversely, the lack of rapid mileage accumulation rules out aggressive driving as a contributing factor to potential wear. Given the clean MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on structural integrity and hidden wear. At this mileage and age, the suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be examined for cracks, perished rubber, or excessive play, as these are common failure points in older Mercedes models. The brake system, including discs, pads, and calipers, warrants thorough inspection for corrosion, uneven wear, or binding, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Additionally, the underbody should be scrutinised for corrosion around the sills, wheel arches, and exhaust system, as these areas are prone to deterioration in a caravan subjected to varying loads and environmental exposure. The dual MOT entries also necessitate a check of the vehicle identification number (VIN) and service history to ensure no tampering or omissions exist.