2010 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · 4305 MC

The vehicle holds a current MOT certificate issued on 22 May 2026 at 142,618 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring corrosion and suspension wear. The most recent test passed, yet the tester flagged an offside front brake pipe corroded and contaminated with grease or other material. This is a minor advisory today, but it demonstrates the same corrosion pattern that caused a failure in June 2025, when the offside rear brake pipe was excessively corroded. The car has a history of keeping its defects manageable rather than allowing major mechanical failures, suggesting routine if not meticulous upkeep. At sixteen years old with 142,618 miles recorded, the annual average sits around 8,914 miles. That is a typical figure for a vehicle of this age, indicating regular rather than light use. The mileage progression is consistent: 116,541 miles in June 2023, 124,314 in May 2024, 134,829 in June 2025, and 142,618 in May 2026. No suspicious gaps or sudden jumps appear in the record. The steady accumulation points to ongoing road use, which generally benefits mechanical components by keeping them exercised, though it also means consumables and structural parts have seen continuous service. The recurring theme across the MOT history is corrosion affecting brake pipes and suspension linkages. Brake pipe corrosion appeared as a failure on the offside rear in June 2025 and resurfaced as an advisory on the offside front in May 2026. Any prospective buyer should have the entire underside inspected for corroded steel pipes, particularly along the inner sills and axle areas where moisture collects. Suspension advisories have also been consistent. In June 2023, both front anti-roll bar ball joints showed play and degraded dust covers. In May 2024, both rear shock absorbers were noted with slight knocks. These are not catastrophic failures, but they indicate the car's suspension components are reaching an age and mileage where wear is expected. A physical inspection should focus on ball joint boots, shock absorber condition, and any knocking or clunking during a road test. Beyond the documented advisories, the brake pipe corrosion history warrants particular attention. Corroded brake lines are a safety-critical defect that can lead to sudden fluid loss and reduced braking efficiency. A thorough inspection of all rigid and flexible brake hoses, along with a check for any signs of fluid seepage, is essential. The vehicle appears to have been maintained in a roadworthy condition, but the pattern of recurring minor faults suggests a buyer should budget for ongoing suspension and braking system renewal in the near term.