2017 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · AV67 CFK

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 16 July 2024, resulted in a failure. The failure was driven by a combination of minor items – a damaged windscreen and a defective front wiper blade – and a major safety concern involving the off‑side front suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover being absent, allowing contaminants to reach the joint. An advisory also noted slight play in the same ball joint. The three preceding examinations (2022, 2021 and 2020) all passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle’s condition has deteriorated since the last successful test and that the maintenance trajectory is now trending downwards. At nine years old the car has accumulated 91 537 miles, which works out to just over 10 000 miles per annum – a usage pattern that sits comfortably within the typical UK average for a vehicle of this age. The mileage is not excessive, but it does suggest a moderate amount of wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings and engine oil. The absence of any large spikes in mileage between tests implies the car has not been subjected to periods of intense short‑term use, but the steady accumulation means that age‑related degradation, particularly of rubber components and corrosion‑prone parts, should be expected. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. The missing dust cover on the off‑side ball joint allows grit and moisture to infiltrate the joint, accelerating wear and potentially leading to joint failure. The advisory of slight play indicates that the ball joint may already be nearing the end of its service life; a qualified technician should check for clunking or looseness when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and when the vehicle is lifted and the wheel is rocked. Replacement of the ball joint and fitting of a new dust cover are advisable before the next MOT. The windscreen damage, although classified as minor, should be inspected for cracks that could spread, especially under thermal stress, and the wiper blade must be replaced to ensure adequate visibility in rain. Any signs of water ingress around the windscreen or persistent smearing during operation would warrant immediate remedial work. Beyond the recorded defects, a thorough age‑related inspection is essential. Examine the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition; at nine years the rubber may have perished even if tread remains, so look for cracking, dry rot or bulging. Check the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and have the charge capacity tested, as prolonged standing can reduce battery life. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and verify that the pads have sufficient material left. Verify that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, and consider a full fluid refresh – coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, look for any signs of chassis corrosion, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and confirm that all exterior seals remain intact to protect against water ingress. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it back to a reliable state.