1998 MERCEDES-BENZ C1.8L Petrol

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach. The most recent test on 30 September 2025 at 112,665 miles passed with no defects, immediately following a failure just eight days prior for an incorrect headlamp aim and a faulty wiper. While the car has cleared its most recent inspection hurdles, the history of recurring mechanical and structural issues suggests that faults are only addressed when they directly threaten an MOT certificate. At 112,665 miles, this 28-year-old Mercedes reflects a low average of approximately 4,000 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to age-related degradation rather than wear-related failure. There is a notable gap in records between January 2021 and December 2022, where the vehicle covered only 9,887 miles, followed by a more active period. Such long periods of standing likely contribute to the corrosion of brake pipes and the deterioration of rubber components seen in the later records. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, specifically the outer sills. The December 2022 failure flagged significant structural corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting, which is a critical safety concern for a vehicle of this age. Furthermore, the 2023 record noted general corrosion across suspension components and the exhaust. These areas should be verified to ensure the rust has not progressed beyond the points identified in previous tests. The mechanical-related components also require close attention. The 2024 test identified play in both front wheel bearings and a steering linkage ball joint, indicating wear in the front suspension-end assembly. The recurring history of thin brake pads and corroded brake pipes suggests that the braking system is neglected until failure. Potential buyers should also check for the BAS light mentioned in 2023, as this could indicate unresolved electrical or sensor faults.