1998 Mercedes-Benz C 2.3L Petrol · C23 OKJ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 162,106 miles, this followed a significant failure just three days prior. That failure highlighted critical issues including a leaking fuel system component and excessively worn suspension ball joints. The persistence of a defective front exhaust mounting from 2024 through 2025 suggests the owner only addresses specific faults when legally required to pass the MOT test. The recorded mileage of 162,106 miles over 28 years is notably low, averaging approximately 5,800 miles per annum. However, there is a concerning six-year data gap between November 2019 and November 2024, during which the vehicle covered only 1,000 miles. This pattern of infrequent use often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components, as evidenced by the recurring advisories for perished tyres and deteriorated brake hoses. The recent increase of 15,800 miles between 2024 and 2025 indicates a sudden increase in usage, which may have placed new stress on aging mechanical components. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the entire suspension and braking system, given the history of worn ball joints and anti-roll bar bushes. The tester previously flagged deteriorated brake hoses and pitted rear discs, which necessitates a check for internal corrosion or hydraulic failure that a visual MOT might miss. Furthermore, the fuel system leak reported in the 2025 failure requires a close examination to ensure all lines and connectors are properly secured and intact. Given the vehicle's age and low-speed history, a structural check of the chassis and mounting points is essential to ensure that long-term standing has not compromised the integrity of the frame.