2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.6L Petrol · AV66 OHS

The most recent MOT, dated 3 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. Over the preceding six years the majority of tests have also been passes, with the only failure occurring in October 2024 where three major items – ineffective front wipers, deteriorated anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust covers on both sides and low headlamp aim – were noted alongside an advisory on rear brake disc condition. The subsequent pass in 2025 suggests those faults were remedied, so the overall maintenance trend can be described as generally stable with a brief period of corrective work required. At ten years old the car has logged 55 155 miles, equating to roughly 5 500 miles per annum – well below the typical UK average of 10‑12 000 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. While the reduced wear on drivetrain and suspension parts is beneficial, prolonged standing can accelerate rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of brake discs and exhaust brackets, so these areas merit particular scrutiny. When inspecting the car, give immediate attention to the items that previously failed. Verify that the front windscreen wipers now clear the glass without streaking and that the washer fluid reaches the blade tips; any residual smearing may indicate a worn blade or a compromised washer pump. Examine the anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust covers for cracks or missing seals – ingress of dirt can accelerate joint wear and produce a clunking noise when the front suspension is loaded, especially over bumps or during hard cornering. Check the headlamp alignment by observing the light pattern on a wall; a low aim can blind oncoming traffic and may require adjustment or replacement of the headlamp assembly. The rear brake disc advisory should be followed up by measuring disc thickness and inspecting for deep pitting; a shudder or pulsation when applying the rear brakes, or uneven pad wear, would signal that resurfacing or replacement is imminent. Finally, the 2020 tyre advisory about edge wear on the near‑side front tyre should be confirmed by a visual inspection of tread depth across the tyre width and by feeling for any vibration at higher speeds, which would indicate the need for tyre replacement or rotation. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, also conduct age‑related checks irrespective of the MOT record. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulging, and confirm the DOT code to ensure the tyres are not beyond six years old. Test the 12 V battery voltage under load and look for signs of corrosion on terminals; a battery that has sat idle for long periods may require replacement even if it still holds a charge. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface rust, especially on the rear discs, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. Look over suspension bushings, mounts and the exhaust system for any signs of corrosion, cracked rubber, or fluid leaks, as time‑based degradation can occur even with low kilometre use. Finally, verify that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes and that time‑sensitive fluids such as coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been refreshed within the manufacturers’ intervals, as these fluids can deteriorate with age regardless of mileage.