2001 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Petrol · PJ51 AHF
2001 Mercedes-Benz C (2.0L, petrol). First registered 27 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 167,405 miles. MOT expired on 03 May 2023. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 May 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 167,405 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
PJ51 AHF Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT failed on 05/04/2023
- 167,405 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
PJ51 AHF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Mercedes-Benz C (PJ51 AHF) between April 2022 and April 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 April 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Body component damaged and likely to cause injury wheel arches (6.2.1 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))”.
PJ51 AHF Mileage History
- 05/04/2022165,471 mi
- 05/04/2022165,471 mi
- 05/04/2023167,405 mi+1,934 mi
Average of roughly 1,935 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows a consistent pattern of deferred maintenance and significant mechanical neglect that suggests it has been driven hard without timely attention.
If you are considering this vehicle, you must negotiate the price significantly downwards to account for the likely upcoming maintenance. Demand a full service history that includes proof of addressing the recurring 'Engine MIL' (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) issues, as this suggests an unresolved electronic or sensor fault that has persisted since at least 2021.
Check the recent work done to address the 2023 failures, specifically the suspension ball joints, the fractured coil spring, and the parking brake efficiency. Because the parking brake was flagged as 'Dangerous' (less than 50% efficiency) in 2023, ensure the entire braking system has been professionally overhauled, not just patched up. Given the history of corroded wheel arches, a thorough inspection of the chassis for structural rust is non-negotiable.
As a 2.0L petrol model from 2001, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. You can expect moderate fuel economy, but tax and insurance will depend on the specific insurance group, which for a Mercedes of this era tends to be mid-range.
Maintenance costs are likely to be high due to the age and the observed pattern of component failure. You should budget for frequent replacements of consumables like brake pads, discs, and tyres, as the MOT history shows a recurring failure to replace these before they reach 'dangerous' levels. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,200-£1,500, including fuel, tax, and a contingency for repairs.
First, inspect the suspension and steering thoroughly. The MOT history shows a long-standing issue with ball joints, tie rod ends, and fractured coil springs. Test the vehicle on a bumpy road to listen for knocks or rattles that might indicate the 2023 suspension repairs were insufficient.
Second, examine the lighting and electrical systems. This car has a chronic history of defective headlamps, incorrect beam aims, and inoperative engine warning lights. Ensure all bulbs work and that the dashboard warning lights function correctly when the ignition is turned.
Finally, check the bodywork for corrosion, specifically around the wheel arches, which was flagged as a major injury risk in 2021 and 2023. Also, verify the condition of the braking system; given the 'dangerous' brake pad and parking brake failures in recent years, a professional brake inspection is essential.
This 2001 silver 2.0L petrol C-Class has covered 167,405 miles and presents a worrying MOT history. While the Mercedes badge implies quality, the records show frequent failures for dangerous brake wear, broken suspension components, and recurring engine management issues. The vehicle's maintenance history appears reactive rather than preventative, which is a significant red flag for a buyer.
While the Mercedes C-Class of this era is generally regarded as robust, this specific vehicle's history deviates significantly from the model's reliable reputation due to poor owner upkeep.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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