2004 Mercedes C 1.8L Petrol · BA04 BAA

The most recent MOT, conducted on 24 November 2025 at 128,030 miles, resulted in a pass, but the advisory list reveals a vehicle with persistent, long-term corrosion and wear issues rather than a clean bill of health. The maintenance trend is stable but chronically neglected in specific areas. The tester flagged a corroded rear sub-frame, corroded rear coil springs on both sides, and a corroded rear anti-roll bar. While these were deemed not seriously weakened at the time of the test, their continued presence year-on-year indicates a vehicle that has spent significant time exposed to moisture without adequate underbody protection. The front lower suspension arm bushes are worn, and there is an active, albeit non-excessive, front oil leak. The nearside front brake disc is worn and pitted, and the front tyres show cracking and perishing, suggesting basic consumable upkeep has been deferred. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use. At roughly 22 years old with 128,030 miles recorded, the annual average is approximately 5,820 miles. The MOT history shows a gap of nearly two years between the March 2024 test at 123,390 miles and the November 2025 test at 128,030 miles, during which only 4,640 miles were covered. This low mileage can be a double-edged sword. While it limits overall drivetrain wear, prolonged periods of standing accelerate the drying out of rubber components like brake hoses and suspension bushes, and promote the surface corrosion noted repeatedly on the chassis and brake lines. The record is consistent, with no sudden spikes in mileage accumulation, confirming a pattern of short, infrequent journeys. A buyer must approach this C-Class with a thorough underbody inspection. The recurring advisories for corroded rear coil springs, a corroded rear sub-frame, and corroded rear brake pipes demand close scrutiny. Surface rust can hide structural thinning, particularly on the sub-frame and brake lines, which are safety-critical. The worn front lower suspension arm bushes will affect steering precision and should be checked for play. The front oil leak, though currently minor, requires identification of its source, as it could worsen and contaminate the power steering fluid or lead to a more significant engine oil loss. The pitted front front brake discs and perished front tyres are immediate replacement items that a seller should rectify before sale. The rear brake hoses have shown slight deterioration in multiple consecutive tests, a common issue on older vehicles but one that warrants a close look for perishing or cracking. The binding nearside rear brake noted in the 2022 test at 117,974 miles may have been addressed, but a road test is essential to confirm the handbrake releases fully and the car tracks straight under braking. The rear exhaust hanger is broken, which can cause the exhaust to knock against the underbody and potentially stress the system, leading to leaks. This Mercedes presents as a low-mileage example with a solid mechanical core, but its maintenance history points to a vehicle that has been used gently but not necessarily cared for diligently. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on structural corrosion and the condition of all rubber and hydraulic components is strongly advised.