2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 1.8L Petrol · AF09 OUJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 12 January 2023, was passed but returned several advisories: the front brake disc shows surface pitting, the rear brake pads are thin, both off‑side tyres are close to the legal tread limit and the windscreen has a minor chip. Earlier in the same year the vehicle also failed a test, yet the failure was limited to the same brake and tyre observations, indicating that the examiner considered the condition acceptable for road use but flagged wear that should be addressed. Over the past five years the pattern is one of recurring wear items – brakes and tyres – interspersed with occasional electrical or minor body‑work advisories, while no new major mechanical failures have appeared. This suggests a maintenance trend that is broadly stable, provided the owner keeps up with the wear‑related items that are now surfacing. At 120,124 miles recorded in September 2026 the car averages roughly 7 000 miles per year, which is typical for a 2009 model. The mileage does not indicate any period of high‑speed, high‑load use, but it also does not point to prolonged inactivity; the vehicle has been driven enough to keep most components lubricated but not enough to mask age‑related degradation. The relatively modest annual run‑off means that wear on wear‑items such as brake discs, pads and tyres is likely driven more by age than by mileage, while rubber components and seals may have suffered from calendar ageing, especially if the car has spent any extended periods standing. A prospective buyer should give the brakes a thorough examination. Inspect the front disc for deep scoring or glazing and feel for any pulsation or shudder through the pedal under braking, which would indicate the disc is nearing the end of its service life. The rear pads should be measured for remaining thickness; thin pads can lead to rapid wear of the rear discs and reduced braking efficiency. Both off‑side tyres must be checked for tread depth across the whole width and for sidewall cracking or dry rot, as the MOT advisories noted edge wear that may be a sign of mis‑alignment or suspension wear. During a test drive listen for any clunk or knock when turning over bumps, which could reveal lingering issues with the off‑side ball‑joint or worn suspension bushes that were previously flagged. Given the car’s age, also examine age‑sensitive items regardless of mileage. Look for any cracking, delamination or perishing of the tyre sidewalls, especially on the front tyres that may have been stored for long periods. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking voltage and the state of the terminals, as a 17‑year‑old battery is likely nearing the end of its service life. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, and ensure there are no leaks from the coolant, oil or brake circuits – fluids should be clear and at the correct level, and brake fluid should be refreshed at least every two years. Finally, confirm that all exterior lights, the fuel cap seal and the windscreen chip are functional and free from corrosion, and that the service booklet shows regular oil, filter and timing‑chain (or belt) maintenance, which will give confidence that the drivetrain has been kept within its prescribed service intervals.