2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 3.0L Diesel · A8 PUY

The 2009 Mercedes ML holds a current MOT having passed on 16 May 2026 at 115,796 miles, though this followed a failure on the same day. The maintenance trend is deteriorating. The initial test failed due to excessive play in the Nearside Front track rod end ball joint, a critical steering component, alongside worn and slightly contaminated rear brake discs. Although rectified for the pass, the tester still flagged advisories for pitted and scored front and rear brake discs, indicating the braking system remains heavily worn. The repeated headlamp lens defects further suggest cosmetic neglect. Covering roughly 6,800 miles annually, the mileage is low for a 17-year-old vehicle, reflecting lighter use or extended periods of standing. The MOT records show a deceleration in usage; the car traveled 4,322 miles between 15 May 2024 at 108,729 miles and 12 May 2025 at 113,051 miles, dropping to just 2,745 miles between 12 May 2025 and 16 May 2026. Low mileage typically preserves structural components but can cause issues like seized brakes or degraded rubber seals from standing, which aligns with the corrosion and oil leaks observed. A prospective buyer must inspect the steering and chassis components closely. The progression of the Nearside Front track rod end ball joint from slight play in May 2025 to excessive play in May 2026 indicates a worsening wear pattern that demands ongoing monitoring. The rear brake pipes show corrosion covered in grease, a temporary masking of a serious structural risk that often hides advanced decay beneath. Pitted and scored brake discs, combined with uneven rear pad wear, point to caliper drag or neglected servicing. The persistent oil leak, flagged repeatedly since May 2024, needs immediate identification of its source. Finally, check the underbody sealant applied recently; it may be concealing fresh corrosion or covering up the source of the chronic oil leak.