2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.1L Diesel · VA62 AAU

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 23 April 2026 at 74,645 miles with no defects recorded, though only after failing the same test on split anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers and a worn nearside front suspension arm bush. The maintenance trend shows a clear worsening pattern in front suspension components: dust covers flagged as severely deteriorated in July 2024 and June 2025 progressed to a failure for ingress of dirt in April 2026, while the suspension arm bush appeared as a new wear item. Brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in 2024 but have not reappeared since, suggesting they may have been replaced or remain within limits. Annual mileage averages roughly 5,700 miles, low for a 13-year-old roadster, yet the record reveals a distinct shift in usage. Between July 2024 and June 2025 the car covered over 6,200 miles in eleven months, only to accumulate a mere 157 miles in the ten months leading to the April 2026 test. This sharp drop-off aligns with the suspension failures and may indicate the vehicle was sidelined awaiting repair. Earlier years show consistent, modest use with no unexplained gaps in the test history. Recurring advisories on front anti-roll bar linkage dust covers from 2024 and 2025 have now escalated to a fail on the lower ball joint covers, and the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush is worn. A buyer should inspect the front suspension thoroughly: check for play in the anti-roll bar links and lower arms, verify the condition of the newly replaced dust covers, and assess the suspension arm bushes for excessive movement. The brake discs flagged in 2024 should be measured for thickness and surface condition, while the historical tyre wear advisories — most recently in 2021 — warrant a current tread depth and alignment check. No structural corrosion or exhaust emissions issues appear in the record.