2003 Mercedes CLK 2.3L Petrol · PN03 OLX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 21 May 2026, although five advisories were recorded at that test, which is a notable increase from the largely clean results seen in 2020 and 2021. Looking back over the available history, the maintenance trend appears to be gradually worsening rather than stable, with an accumulation of brake-related advisories and steering component concerns appearing from 2022 onwards. The 2022 fail on a loose steering wheel rim and a structural corrosion advisory at the offside rear outer sill near the jacking point was a particular low point, and although the vehicle has continued to pass since, the recurring nature of brake hose deterioration and steering rack noise suggests underlying wear that is progressing rather than being fully resolved. A prospective buyer should therefore treat this trend with caution and budget for imminent remedial work. The recorded mileage of 111,575 miles over approximately 23 years equates to an average of around 4,851 miles per year, which is well below typical annual usage and indicates either a low-mileage owner profile or, more likely given the age, extended periods of standing or only occasional use. Such low annual mileage brings its own mechanical considerations, as standing accelerates certain forms of degradation that are not mileage-dependent. Brake discs and calipers can corrode and bind when rarely used, hoses and suspension bushes can perish from age and exposure rather than wear, and the 12V battery will suffer repeated shallow discharge cycles. Tyres, even if retaining legal tread, will develop sidewall cracking and perishing from age, and all fluid-based service items such as engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid will degrade on a calendar basis regardless of how few miles the car has covered. For a prospective buyer, a close inspection of the braking system is strongly advised given the repeated advisories on rear brake hose deterioration across three consecutive tests in 2022, 2025, and 2026, with both sides affected each time. These rubber hoses have a finite service life and should be replaced as a pair, particularly on a vehicle of this age. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or creaking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mounts typical of a Mercedes-Benz of this era, and pay particular attention to any steering wander, clonks on full lock, or worsening of the noise on the nearside front steering rack that was first noted in 2025. The outer sill corrosion noted in 2022 should also be physically inspected, as jacking point corrosion and sill condition are common failure points on a 23-year-old car and can quickly progress to a structural concern if left unaddressed. Beyond the recorded advisories, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should include checks that are not captured by the MOT history but are highly relevant given the low annual mileage. All four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing even if the tread depth remains adequate, as age-hardened rubber can fail suddenly. The brake caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizing, which is common on cars that have stood for long periods. The 12V battery should be load-tested, and the service history should be verified to confirm that engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and if applicable automatic transmission fluid have been replaced on a time basis rather than purely by mileage. The slightly discoloured offside front side repeater lamp is a trivial cosmetic item, but the missing offside front jacking point pad and the corroded nearside front jacking point flagged in 2023 are worth inspecting to ensure no underlying structural corrosion is developing around those areas.