1988 Mercedes-Benz 260 2.6L Petrol · A19 AHX

The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 260 presents a stable roadworthiness profile. The most recent test on 29 November 2025 at 183,289 miles returned a pass with no defects recorded, continuing an unbroken clean run across the available history. The maintenance trend is steady rather than worsening, with no advisories or mechanical faults flagged at any point in the supplied records. Recorded mileage sits at 183,289 against roughly 38 years of age, an average of about 4,823 miles per year. The car covered only 608 miles between the October 2024 test at 182,681 miles and the November 2025 test, and just 4,429 miles across the three years from February 2022 at 174,861 miles. Such low annual use implies long standing periods, though the DVSA data shows no gaps longer than the 2023-to-2024 interval and no rapid accumulation that would stress drivetrain components. The MOT file is sparse and clean, with a single anomaly worth noting. On 7 June 2023 the vehicle failed and passed on the same day at 178,410 miles, both entries showing no defects recorded. This points to an administrative retest rather than a mechanical defect, but a buyer should confirm with the seller that no fault was suppressed at the time. Given the age and low mileage, a physical inspection should focus on age-related corrosion to structural members, subframes, and brake lines, plus perished suspension bushes and coil springs from prolonged inactivity. Check brake disc condition and caliper operation for binding after standing, and verify the exhaust emissions against expected values for a 2.6-litre petrol unit of this era.