2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.0L Petrol · AD56 KEN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows the onset of suspension wear-related issues. In the most recent test in June 2025 at 58,835 miles, the tester recorded advisories for both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes. While these did not result in a failure, the marking of the rear arm inner bushes indicates that the suspension components are beginning to reach the end of their service life through age rather than mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a seventeen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,460 miles per year. Data shows a consistent pattern of low usage, with the car covering only 3,082 miles between July 2023 and June 2024, and a similar interval in the preceding year. This low mileage suggests minimal mechanical strain on the engine and drivetrain, but it often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to stationary periods, which aligns with the failure of the nearside front suspension arm ball joint recorded in May 2022. A buyer must conduct a close physical inspection of the front suspension to assess the extent of the bushing wear identified in the 2025 test. Because the vehicle previously failed for an excessively worn ball joint, it is vital to check for play or movement in all front control arms and tie rod ends. Given the age and low usage, the inspection should also focus on structural corrosion on the chassis and the condition of the brake calipers, as these components frequently suffer when vehicles are not driven frequently.