MERCEDES C1996 · 2.8L PETROL

The vehicle's roadworthiness status is currently indeterminate due to a significant gap in documentation spanning seventeen years. The last recorded test took place in February 2009 at 115,422 miles, which passed with no defects. Because no MOT has been performed since that date, there is no verifiable evidence of the current mechanical condition or structural integrity of the car. The maintenance trend cannot be established as stable or improving because the data set ends long before the vehicle's current age. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 3,847 miles per year. Between December 2006 and February 2009, the car covered only 6,880 miles, indicating very light usage. While low mileage often suggests less wear on the drivetrain and engine, the long intervals between tests imply the vehicle may have sat stationary for extended periods. Long-term storage of older Mercedes often leads to the degradation of rubber components, perished brake lines, and internal corrosion due to condensation, which are not reflected in the mileage figures alone. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the condition of the braking system and structural components. The 2007 test identified corrosion on both nearside and offside rear upper brake pipes, a condition that likely worsened over the subsequent two decades if not replaced. The buyer should also check for seized calipers and perished brake hoses, which are common in low-mileage classics. Given the age and lack of recent testing, a thorough check for chassis rust, suspension bushes, and mounting points is essential to ensure the vehicle remains safe for road use.