2006 Mercedes ML 3.0L Diesel · CU06 OOJ

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile, as the maintenance history indicates a reactive rather than proactive ownership style. While the most recent test in February 2024 at 142,146 miles passed, it noted an advisory for the nearside front brake binding. This follows a recurring trend of brake-related failures seen in 2023 and 2022, where the vehicle failed due to excessively binding calipers and significant imbalance across the axle. The progression from excessive binding to a minor binding advisory suggests that while some faults were addressed, the underlying issue remains a point of concern. At 142,146 miles over 20 years, the Mercedes has averaged approximately 7,100 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-moderate annual use patterns. The data shows a period of high activity between January 2022 and February 2023, where the vehicle covered nearly 9,000 miles in just thirteen months. However, there is a significant gap of over two years since the February 2024 test. Given the current date of June 2026, the vehicle is long overdue for its annual MOT, and the lack of recent testing increases the risk that aged rubber components or braking systems have deteriorated further without professional detection. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system, as the record shows multiple failures involving deteriorated hoses, binding calipers, and weakened discs. The 2022 failure specifically highlighted deteriorated front brake hoses, which are a critical safety concern if not replaced recently. The inspector should also check the offside front outer CV boot, as this was previously flagged as severely deteriorated, which often leads to grease loss and joint failure. The recurring history of uneven tyre wear on inner edges also suggests potential suspension alignment issues or worn suspension bushes that require a professional assessment to prevent further premature tyre replacement.