2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.6L Petrol · BJ16 WXT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding the front suspension components. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 85,220 miles passed, it revealed play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. This follows a previous advisory from November 2024 at 78,236 miles concerning a severely deteriorated dust cover on the anti-roll bar linkage. The progression from a perished boot to mechanical play indicates that these components are nearing the end of their service. The mileage pattern is consistent with a typical low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 8,500 miles per year over its ten-year life. The records show regular annual testing intervals, with roughly 21,000 miles covered between November 2022 and November 2024, and another 7,000 miles between late 2024 and late 2025. This steady usage suggests the car has not sat stationary for long periods, which is generally beneficial for maintaining rubber seals and preventing corrosion in the braking system. A buyer should conduct a physical inspection of the front suspension assembly to assess the extent of the wear flagged by the tester. The ball joint on the nearside front arm and the anti-roll bar linkage likely require replacement soon to prevent further component failure or uneven tyre wear. Given the history of deteriorated dust covers, it is also prudent to check the opposite side components for similar signs of grease leakage or environmental ingress. No structural integrity issues or major mechanical failures were noted in the record, so the focus should remain on these recurring suspension wear items.