2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito 2.1L Diesel · AX66 HMV

The defining mechanical concern in this 2017 Mercedes-Benz VITO's history is a front suspension issue that escalated from a routine advisory to a major failure within just three days in June 2026. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was first flagged with slight play on the 8 June 2026 test, which was failed outright because the nearside front coil spring was also found to be fractured or broken. Three days later, on 11 June 2026, the vehicle returned and passed, but the same ball joint play advisory was carried forward, alongside the previously noted windscreen chip and the obstruction caused by plastic underbody shields. A single major coil spring failure combined with a persistent ball joint advisory points to front suspension wear that has reached a point where component replacement should be anticipated rather than deferred. The earlier MOT record is relatively unremarkable, comprising a clean pass in January 2024 and a minor windscreen advisory on the May 2025 test, so the front end issue appears to be a recent development rather than a long-standing pattern. Against an age of nine years, the recorded mileage of 57,470 miles equates to roughly 6,386 miles annually, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a commercial-orientated vehicle of this type and does not suggest either excessive motorway accumulation or extended periods of standing. The testing cadence is reasonably consistent, with annual or biennial MOTs recorded through 2024, 2025 and 2026, and there are no significant gaps that would imply the vehicle was laid up for multiple consecutive years. The single prior failure in January 2024 was a straightforward reversing lamp inoperative item, which is a trivial electrical rectification rather than an indicator of deeper electrical or body integrity concerns. Overall the usage profile is unremarkable and the mileage progression does not on its own raise concerns about accelerated wear of consumables. For a prospective buyer, the priority items to scrutinise are concentrated around the front suspension, where both the nearside lower arm ball joint and the nearside coil spring have been flagged. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front nearside wheel when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as ball joint play typically manifests as a dull rattle over sharper inputs. With the coil spring having fractured, the nearside front corner may sit noticeably lower than the offside, particularly when viewed from a distance with the vehicle on level ground, and the vehicle may exhibit a harsher, less controlled response over bumps. When the vehicle is jacked and the nearside wheel removed, the spring should be inspected in full for any additional cracks, as a fractured spring often indicates neighbouring components have been subjected to increased stress. The plastic underbody shields noted as obstructing testable items should be removed by a competent inspector so that the subframe, steering rack, and brake lines beneath can be properly examined for corrosion or fluid leaks, particularly given the vehicle's nine-year exposure to road salt and moisture. The remaining advisories are comparatively minor but should still be factored into any negotiation. The offside windscreen chip at the top of the screen has now been recorded on two consecutive tests and, while it currently falls within the minor category, any further propagation across the driver's swept area would move it into an immediate failure zone, so a glass repair is sensible preventative work. The damaged driver's wing mirror glass should be replaced for legal and visibility reasons, and the reversing lamp that failed in January 2024 should be verified as functional across both reverse gear selections. A thorough inspection should also include a check of the rear load area and sliding door mechanisms, as these are common wear points on VITO models that fall outside the scope of the MOT but are directly relevant to daily usability. Given the recent front suspension failure, budgeting for a front suspension refresh comprising both coil spring and lower arm replacement would represent prudent pre-purchase planning.