2002 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · YK52 AHS

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2023‑08‑10 resulted in a failure at 140,108 miles despite the absence of recorded defects, indicating an unstable maintenance trend. A pass was logged just over a year earlier on 2022‑06‑14 at 136,777 miles, yet the preceding test on 2022‑06‑06 had already failed at 136,759 miles. The pattern shows a deterioration rather than improvement, with two consecutive failures bracketing a single pass and no clear remedial action evident in the record. Mileage accumulation has been modest relative to the car’s age. Between June 2022 entries the odometer rose only 18 miles, suggesting limited use or possible gaps in testing. The jump to 140,108 miles by August 2023 represents roughly 3,350 miles over 14 months, still well below the average annual wear for a 24‑year‑old vehicle. Overall mileage of 5,838 miles per year is low, which typically points to lighter duty or extended periods of storage, but the sparse test frequency limits a full wear‑rate analysis. A prospective buyer should closely inspect the suspension system, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, for signs of fatigue or oil leakage. Brake components merit scrutiny: check the calipers for binding, the discs for uneven wear or corrosion, and the pads for excessive wear. Given the low mileage but recent failures, examine the underbody for rust perforation, especially around the sills and wheel arches, and assess the exhaust for leaks or rust damage. Tyre tread depth should be verified against the legal minimum, and the condition of wiper blades and lighting circuits should be noted, as these consumables often escape formal defect reporting. Finally, review any service records or MOT paperwork for consistency, as the failures without noted defects may reflect administrative issues rather than mechanical faults.