2018 Mercedes-Benz E 2.0L Petrol · BL68 YTY

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 2026-04-08 at 79,754 miles, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. A pattern of deferred basic upkeep emerges from the records, particularly concerning tyre condition and wheel integrity. The tester repeatedly flagged the windscreen for damage failing to meet the required standard, though it never impaired the driver's view. More critically, the vehicle failed its March 2026 test at 70,697 miles due to both rear tyres sustaining cuts deep enough to expose the ply or cords, indicating severe neglect of consumable safety items before the subsequent April pass. The recorded mileage equates to roughly 9,969 miles per year, a typical figure for an eight-year-old saloon. However, the chronological data reveals a highly irregular accumulation rate. Between May 2025 at 70,135 miles and March 2026 at 70,697 miles, the car covered a mere 562 miles over ten months. The odometer then jumped to 79,754 miles by April 2026, adding 9,057 miles in a single month. Such a drastic spike warrants close scrutiny for potential mileage discrepancies or odometer anomalies, contrasting sharply with the preceding period of apparent dormancy. A physical inspection must focus on the front suspension and wheel alignment, given the recurring tyre wear. In May 2025 at 70,135 miles, the tester noted inner edge wear on both front tyres alongside a slightly distorted nearside front wheel, classic symptoms of worn suspension bushes or tracking misalignment. The repeated rear tyre cuts and the 2026 failure for exposed cords suggest the previous owner routinely neglected wheel damage or alignment checks. Examine the inner sidewalls of all tyres for fresh cuts, check the alloy wheels for kerbing or cracks, and thoroughly inspect the front and rear suspension components for play or perished rubber. The persistent windscreen damage also requires verification to ensure it has not spread or degraded the structural integrity of the glazing.