2009 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · AV09 NDE

With only clean pass results and no advisories logged across all recorded DVSA tests, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presents a particularly tidy MOT history, free from the chronic defect patterns, repeat advisories, or escalating corrosion issues that frequently emerge on vehicles of similar age and mileage. The most recent assessment on 24 March 2025 concluded with a pass and no defects recorded, mirroring the outcome of the 30 January 2023 test. The intervening 2024 and 2025 entries each show a failed test immediately followed by a pass three days later, but crucially the official records list no defects against any of those examinations, which suggests either minor items rectified promptly between tests or administrative retests rather than substantive mechanical concerns. Overall, the trend indicates a vehicle that has consistently met statutory roadworthiness standards without any flagged deterioration. Annual mileage accumulates at roughly 7,039 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a seventeen year old car. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record that would imply long periods off the road, nor are there any sudden mileage jumps between tests that might suggest clock irregularities or undisclosed heavy use. This steady, moderate rate of accumulation is mechanically favourable, as it implies that wear-sensitive components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, and drivetrain mounts have been worked at a pace consistent with normal commuting rather than the accelerated fatigue seen on high-mileage workhorses. That said, the underlying mechanical condition of a C-Class at 119,658 miles will still reflect natural ageing of polymers, rubber, and electrical systems irrespective of how the mileage was accrued. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any specific flagged components means inspection focus should shift to the wear items and age-related deterioration commonly affecting this model and era, particularly the rear suspension arm bushes, front control arm bushings, and the front subframe mounting areas where corrosion can initiate. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest perished rear trailing arm bushes, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering when traversing bumps, indicative of worn front lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links. Pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking, which can reveal binding brake calipers or unevenly worn discs, and check that the front brake discs show a clean, uniform surface without a pronounced lip or corrosion pitting around the outer edge. Additionally, given the vehicle's age, a thorough underside examination on a ramp is strongly advised to identify any emerging structural corrosion around the sills, jacking points, and rear axle mounting brackets, none of which would have been captured on the MOT record if they fell below the failure threshold. Inspect the engine bay and underside for signs of oil seepage from the rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing, both common on this generation of Mercedes petrol and diesel engines, and verify that all electrical systems, including the central locking, infotainment, and instrument cluster, operate without intermittent faults. A final check of the coolant expansion tank and radiator pipes for brittleness or staining will help anticipate the cooling system refresh that most C-Class models of this vintage soon require.