2017 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Petrol · OY67 AAU

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class in question presents a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with its most recent MOT tests revealing a pattern of repeated failures without any recorded defects. The December 2025 retest at 107,699 miles passed after a failure just three weeks earlier at 107,558 miles, suggesting the car cleared minor issues—likely administrative or procedural—rather than addressing any substantive mechanical concerns. This pattern mirrors the December 2024 tests, where the vehicle also failed and then passed on the same day at 102,164 miles, indicating a possible history of last-minute fixes or test-day adjustments rather than consistent upkeep. The absence of any advisories or defects across all five tests is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage, raising questions about the thoroughness of previous inspections or the possibility of selective repairs targeting only MOT-specific checks. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle’s age, averaging around 11,967 miles per year—a figure typical for a lightly used executive saloon. However, the clustering of tests in December 2024 and 2025, with no recorded mileage progression between the failed and passed tests on the same dates, suggests the car may have been driven minimally outside of MOT preparation periods. The gap between the December 2023 test (92,753 miles) and the December 2024 tests (102,164 miles) covers roughly 9,400 miles over a year, which is plausible but leaves a notable absence of intermediate MOT records. This lack of documentation over nearly 12 months is unusual for a vehicle of this class, where annual or bi-annual checks would typically be expected for safety-critical components. Given the absence of defects in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on areas not routinely covered by the MOT test. Particular attention should be given to the suspension system, including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, which may show signs of wear or fatigue despite passing emissions and roadworthiness checks. The braking system—especially the rear calipers and discs—should be scrutinised for uneven wear or binding, as these are common failure points in Mercedes-Benz models that might not always trigger an MOT advisory. Structural integrity is another critical area; while the MOT records show no corrosion-related defects, a detailed inspection of the sills, wheel arches, and underbody for hidden rust or damage is essential, particularly given the vehicle’s age. Finally, the electrical and emissions systems, including the DPF and EGR components, should be checked for signs of tampering or deferred maintenance, as these often fail to appear in standard MOT results but can lead to costly repairs if neglected.