2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · C7 CUH

The current roadworthiness of this Mercedes-Benz C-Class is precarious, as the vehicle shows a pattern of deferred maintenance that has culminated in a significant failure at its most recent inspection. While the car passed its test on 16 April 2026, the preceding day saw a comprehensive failure involving multiple front-end suspension components and wheel bearings. The parking brake efficiency remains a lingering concern, as it was flagged as barely meeting requirements in both the 2026 and 2024 records, suggesting that the braking system has not received the necessary mechanical adjustment or component replacement required to rectify a known, recurring deficiency. The vehicle has covered 115,858 miles over fourteen years, averaging approximately 8,276 miles annually, which is consistent with typical usage patterns for this class of vehicle. The accumulation of mileage is steady, with roughly 5,000 miles added between the September 2024 and April 2026 tests. While this usage is not excessive, the frequency of failures suggests that the owner has historically relied on the MOT process as a diagnostic tool rather than performing proactive servicing. The rapid progression of wear in the steering and suspension components between 2024 and 2026 indicates that the vehicle is currently entering a phase where major chassis components are reaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. Although the recent test passed, the list of failures from 15 April 2026—covering lower suspension arms, anti-roll bar ball joints, and wheel bearings—indicates that the front end has been subjected to significant stress. Ensure that the parking brake mechanism is fully functional and that the brake pipes, which were noted as corroded in March 2024, have been properly treated or replaced. Given the history of tyre neglect and structural bulges identified in the 2024 test, verify the condition of all four tyres and the integrity of the steering rack inner joints, as these areas have consistently shown signs of deterioration throughout the vehicle's recent history.