2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.0L Petrol · Y50 CDH

The Mercedes passed its most recent MOT in March 2025 at 186,944 miles with no defects recorded, yet the test history reveals a puzzling pattern of immediate re-tests. A failure in February 2025 at 186,942 miles was followed by a pass just 25 days later with only two miles added, and the same sequence occurred in January 2024 at 185,767 miles. Both failures show no recorded defect codes in the supplied data, which suggests either administrative quirks or items rectified before the re-test were not captured. The overall trend appears stable on paper, but the repeated fail-then-pass cycles within weeks warrant scrutiny. Annual mileage has dropped sharply in recent years. The car covered roughly 2,700 miles between January 2023 and January 2024, then barely 1,200 miles in the following twelve months. By early 2025 it was averaging under 30 miles per month. Such low usage on a 23-year-old roadster often points to long storage periods, which can degrade rubber seals, brake hydraulics, and suspension bushes faster than regular running. The current MOT expired in March 2026, so the car has been untested for over five months. With no advisories or defect details logged across five tests, the record gives no direct evidence of corrosion, brake wear, or suspension play. That absence is itself notable at this mileage and age. A buyer should treat the clean sheets as a prompt for a thorough independent inspection rather than reassurance. Focus on the rear subframe mounting points and front spring perches for structural rot, check for binding rear calipers — a known SLK trait after standing — and verify the hydraulic roof mechanism operates without leaks. Tyre date codes and brake fluid condition will reveal whether the low mileage reflects careful ownership or simple neglect.