2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC 1.8L Petrol · DA08 PVV

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the maintenance history reveals a reactive rather than proactive approach. While the most recent test in May 2025 at 113,626 miles secured a pass, it followed a significant failure just six days prior. The trend shows a worsening condition in the steering and suspension components, which were only addressed after failing inspection. The persistence of faults, particularly regarding steering rack inner joints and wheel bearings, suggests that mechanical wear is allowed to progress until it reaches a point of legal failure. At 113,626 miles over eighteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 6,300 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-moderate annual usage. However, there is a notable gap of nearly 17,000 miles between March 2023 and March 2024, followed by another 28,000 miles in the year leading to May 2025. This recent surge in mileage coincides with the rapid degradation of consumables such as brake pads and tyres, which reached critical limits multiple times within this 24-month window. A buyer must prioritise the structural integrity of the rear sub-frame, which was flagged as corroded in both the May 2025 tests. Although the tester noted it was not seriously weakened, corrosion on structural members of this age often progresses rapidly and becomes expensive to rectify. The steering system requires close scrutiny, as the steering rack inner joints and linkage ball joints have already shown signs of excessive play. Physical inspection should also verify the offside front brake pipe for further corrosion and ensure the previous repairs following the May failure were executed correctly.