2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · XNZ 5012

A pattern of escalating brake and suspension defects dominates this car’s MOT history, culminating in a major failure on 5 June 2026 where the engine’s malfunction‑indicator lamp was inoperative, the rear service brake showed excessive fluctuation and both rear brake discs were judged significantly and obviously worn. Earlier in the same test cycle the front brake discs were flagged as pitted and the front and off‑side rear tyres were noted as close to the legal limit, but the failure items outweigh the advisory notes and indicate that critical safety components are already beyond acceptable wear. At 104 970 miles the vehicle averages just over 8 000 miles per year, a figure that sits within normal usage for a 2013 model. The MOT record shows regular annual testing from 2022 onward, with a single gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests, suggesting no prolonged periods of inactivity. However, the mileage combined with the repeated brake‑disc wear and the fractured rear coil spring recorded in early 2025 points to cumulative stress on the suspension and braking systems that typically accelerates wear on related components such as wheel bearings, brake calipers and steering bushings. Prospective buyers should concentrate the test drive on the rear braking system: feel for any pedal pulsation, sponginess or a rise in pedal height under sustained application, and listen for squeal or grinding that could indicate worn discs or failing calipers. Inspect the rear wheel wells for any looseness or knocking when traversing bumps, which may reveal lingering issues from the previously fractured rear coil spring or degraded suspension bushes. Verify that the engine MIL illuminates correctly by switching the ignition on and confirming the warning light functions; a non‑operational MIL often signals underlying engine management faults that could be costly to diagnose. Given the recent major failures, budgeting for a full rear brake overhaul—including discs, pads and possibly calipers—as well as a replacement of the nearside rear coil spring, is prudent. An engine diagnostic scan to address the MIL fault should be performed before purchase, and all four tyres should be examined for tread depth, sidewall cuts and edge wear, with replacement considered if the legal limit is approached. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, covering the braking system, suspension components and engine management, will provide the necessary certainty before committing to the purchase.