1989 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.0L Petrol · 1 DRT

The vehicle maintains a stable roadworthiness status, evidenced by its most recent MOT pass in April 2026 at 73,680 miles with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend indicates a vehicle that is kept in good mechanical order despite its age. While minor mechanical issues have appeared in the past, the lack of recent advisories in the last three tests suggests that any identified faults were addressed promptly before they could escalate into failure points. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 37-year-old Mercedes, averaging approximately 2,000 miles per year. Between April 2021 and April 2026, the car covered only 281 miles, moving from 73,399 to 73,680 recorded miles. This extremely low usage often implies long periods of storage, which carries specific risks for the various rubber-based components and fluids. The consistency of the annual testing suggests the car is used for occasional outings rather than a daily commuter. A physical inspection should focus on the steering system, as the record shows recurring issues with free play and movement in the steering box joints and bushes between 2014 and 2015. Although these were not flagged in later tests, the age of the components can lead to degradation while sitting. The buyer should also verify the prop shaft rubber damper, which was noted as worn in 2024, to ensure the replacement has not perished or cracked due to lack of use. Structural integrity remains a priority given the reported corrosion noted in the 2012 test. Despite the low mileage, a thorough check of the chassis and floor pans is necessary to ensure that surface rust has not progressed into deep structural decay. The oil leak noted in 2021 should also be monitored during a stationary inspection to ensure seals have not dried out or worsened during the recent periods of inactivity.