2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.6L Petrol · AF67 HBA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 November 2025, was passed but returned two advisories: the off‑side rear brake pad was noted as wearing thin and the rear tyre showed early signs of sidewall cracking or perishing. This mirrors the advisory from the previous year, which also highlighted thin rear pads, while earlier tests added further tyre‑related warnings. The pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear items rather than any new catastrophic failures, indicating a maintenance trend that is slowly deteriorating and will require attention to the brake pads and tyres in the near term. At nine years old the vehicle has logged 44,863 miles, averaging just under 5,000 miles per annum. This is well below the typical UK usage rate for a car of this age and suggests either very light daily driving or extended periods of inactivity. Low mileage reduces overall mechanical wear but can exacerbate age‑related degradation such as tyre dry‑rot, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension components that are not exercised regularly. There are no large mileage spikes that would point to a period of heavy use, so the wear observed is more likely to be calendar‑driven. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the rear off‑side brake assembly. Verify the pad thickness – anything under 2 mm will need replacement and could be accompanied by a faint squeal or reduced pedal feel. Inspect the caliper for any uneven pad wear, fluid leakage or sticking pistons, and listen for a pulsating brake pedal under moderate braking. The tyre advisories are more urgent: the rear tyre sidewall and the front tyres are reported as approaching the legal tread limit and showing early cracking. Examine all four tyres for dry‑rot, especially in the sidewalls, and feel for any soft spots or bulges that could indicate internal damage. If any tyre shows more than 1 mm tread loss or visible cracking, replace it promptly, as the A‑Class relies on a balanced tyre set for its electronic stability systems. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑usage profile, a comprehensive age‑related inspection is advisable. Test the 12 V battery under load and check the electrolyte level or consider a replacement if the charge hold is marginal. Drain and replace the brake fluid if it has not been serviced within the last two years, as moisture ingress can reduce boiling point and affect braking performance. Verify that the coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals; fluid discoloration or a burnt smell can signal overdue service. Inspect the suspension for cracked or collapsed rubber bushes, worn coil springs and any signs of corrosion on the chassis or under‑body panels, especially where the vehicle may have sat for long periods. Finally, review the service book for recorded timing‑chain inspections (the 2017 A‑Class typically uses a timing chain) and any electronic fault codes, ensuring that all scheduled maintenance has been observed before committing to purchase.