1998 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · R505 EGV

The vehicle presents a history of significant mechanical neglect and developing structural concerns that require urgent attention. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 175,624 miles passed, it followed a major failure just one day prior. That failure revealed critical safety issues, including mismatched tyres on the same axle, illegal tread depths, and a failing nearside front wheel bearing. More concerning is the presence of plastic covers on the outer sills preventing a full inspection of the vehicle's structure, which is a significant red flag for a car of this age with a documented history of heavy corrosion. At 175,624 miles over 28 years, the car shows a consistent usage of approximately 6,300 miles per year. However, the quality of maintenance has deteriorated significantly after 2021. Between 2022 and 2024, the vehicle suffered multiple failures related to inoperative parking brakes, worn steering rack inner joints, and failing suspension components. The October 2022 failure was particularly alarming, flagging structural corrosion on suspension component mountings and reduced strength in seat belt anchorages. These issues affect the fundamental integrity of the chassis rather than simple consumable wear. The mechanical state suggests a trend of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. The 2025 advisories for corroded coil springs and play in the wheel bearing indicate that the suspension system is nearing a point of total failure. The 2024 record also noted a sticking throttle and brake lag, suggesting the engine and braking systems are not being properly serviced. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the sills and mounting points to determine the extent of the rust, as the current records show the tester was repeatedly blocked by under-body covers.