2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L Diesel · AY64 BKX

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring suspension and lighting faults. While the most recent test on 4 September 2025 at 268,144 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged several persistent issues including defective rear shock absorber bushes and worn leaf spring anchor pins or bushes. These specific suspension components have appeared in consecutive tests, notably in the August 2024 inspection at 247,898 miles. The recurrence of these advisories suggests that while the vehicle remains legally roadworthy, the underlying wear in the rear suspension system is not being proactively addressed through replacement. The mileage profile indicates heavy commercial usage, averaging approximately 22,345 miles per year over its twelve-year lifespan. The data shows consistent, high-volume accumulation, with a significant jump of over 20,000 miles recorded between the August 2024 and September 2025 tests. This high annual mileage places substantial stress on drivetrain and chassis components. The record shows a relatively consistent testing frequency, though the gaps between 2021 and 2023 suggest a period where the vehicle was either in intensive use without annual inspections or the records are less frequent. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension assembly. The repeated mentions of worn leaf spring bushes and shock absorber bushes since at least 2023 indicate that these components are nearing the end of their service life. The history also shows a pattern of neglected minor maintenance, such as the failed windscreen wiper in 2025 and the blown headlamps in 2024, which implies the previous operator may have focused on essential running rather than preventative upkeep. Further attention must be paid to the braking system and steering. The 2024 test noted pitted and scored front brake discs, and the 2019 record highlighted a fractured leaf spring. Given the high mileage and the age of the vehicle, a buyer should check for signs of structural corrosion around the suspension mounting points and ensure the steering rack, which showed play in 2020 and 2021, has been adequately serviced. The recent advisory regarding a defective parking brake lever also warrants a functional check to ensure the mechanism is not nearing total failure.