2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.1L Diesel · AY65 AMY

The most recent MOT test on November 25, 2025, confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy with no defects recorded at 91,798 miles. The absence of advisories or failures over the past two tests suggests a stable maintenance pattern, though the 2024 failure at 80,116 miles—just two days before passing at 80,124—indicates a narrow margin for error in emissions or minor compliance checks. No recurring issues have been logged, but the lack of advisories in recent tests means potential wear on high-friction components (e.g., suspension bushes, brake pads) hasn’t been flagged. The vehicle’s compliance history is clean, but the proximity of the 2024 failure to the pass suggests attention to detail during testing was critical. The mileage progression of approximately 9,180 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, with no abrupt spikes or prolonged inactivity between tests. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests—covering 6,113 miles—is consistent with annual servicing intervals, though the 2024 failure followed closely by a pass at nearly identical mileage raises questions about whether the vehicle underwent interim maintenance or adjustments. There’s no evidence of neglect, but the lack of advisories in recent years means hidden wear—such as degraded coil springs, worn steering rack seals, or corrosion in wheel arches—could have gone unnoticed. Given the clean MOT history, priority should be given to inspecting suspension components for uneven wear or fluid leaks, as these are often silent failures. The brakes, while not failed, should be checked for uneven pad thickness or binding calipers, particularly if the 2024 test was borderline. Structural integrity—especially around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system—demands scrutiny, as corrosion is a common silent killer in older Mercedes-Benz models. The absence of advisories doesn’t preclude these issues; a thorough visual and functional inspection is essential to confirm the vehicle hasn’t silently accumulated wear beyond the MOT’s scope.