2016 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.5L Petrol · 2 JOP

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL presents a strong mechanical record with a stable and improving maintenance trend. The most recent MOT, conducted on 29 September 2025 at 31,795 miles, identified a single minor defect: a non-functioning offside side repeater lamp. This straightforward electrical issue was rectified within 24 hours, with a retest on 30 September 2025 recording zero defects. The vehicle has now passed four consecutive MOT tests with no major mechanical or structural failures, indicating consistent upkeep and no emerging fault patterns. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of very light use. Covering just 31,795 miles over roughly ten years equates to approximately 3,180 miles per year, well below the UK annual average of around 7,000 miles. The progression is steady and unremarkable: 18,759 miles in April 2023, 22,409 miles in April 2024, 29,875 miles in April 2025, and 31,795 miles by September 2025. That final five-month window saw roughly 1,920 miles added, a modest uptick but nothing suggesting sudden heavy use or neglect through prolonged standing. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record. Despite the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection. Low-mileage vehicles that sit unused for extended periods can develop issues that MOT tests do not always catch, such as perished tyre sidewalls, seized brake calipers, or corroded brake discs and suspension components from standing moisture. The front and rear suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers deserve close scrutiny even without flagged advisories, as age-related deterioration can affect ride quality and structural integrity regardless of mileage. Underbody corrosion around subframes, sills, and jacking points warrants particular attention on a decade-old roadster. The exhaust system and its mountings should also be checked for corrosion, given the vehicle's age. The single lamp defect in September 2025 was trivial, but verifying all exterior lighting functions, including indicators, brake lights, and fog lamps, remains a sensible precaution. Overall, the record suggests a well-maintained, lightly used vehicle with no recurring mechanical faults, but age-related wear should not be overlooked simply because the MOT history is clean.