2017 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · DA67 KLD

A single, significant suspension issue dominates the MOT record – the near‑side front suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover was judged unsafe in March 2024, prompting a failure that would have required replacement or repair before the vehicle could be cleared. The subsequent pass in March 2026 indicates that the defect was addressed, and the absence of further failures suggests the car has been roadworthy since that remedial work, with only tyre‑wear advisories appearing in the most recent 2025 test. At 92,540 mi spread over roughly nine years the average annual mileage sits just above 10,000 mi, which aligns with typical private‑use patterns and does not point to unusually high wear. The MOT schedule shows regular yearly testing with no extended gaps, implying the odometer readings are consistent with the recorded service intervals and that the vehicle has not been subject to prolonged storage periods that could hide latent corrosion or fluid degradation. When you inspect the car, focus on the front suspension assembly: feel for any play or knocking when the steering wheel is turned over bumps, and listen for clunking that could indicate lingering ball‑joint wear or an improperly fitted dust cover. Verify that the dust cover and associated seals are intact, with no signs of rust or moisture ingress around the ball‑joint housing. A thorough visual check of the mounting points and surrounding chassis for corrosion will confirm that the repair was comprehensive. Tyre condition also warrants attention: the 2025 advisory flagged both front and off‑side rear tyres as being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear. Confirm that the tread depth on all four tyres exceeds the minimum 1.6 mm and that the wear pattern is even, which will reveal any alignment or suspension issues that may have persisted after the earlier suspension repair. While brakes were not mentioned in the MOT history, a sensible test‑drive should include a brief stop to ensure the pedal feels firm and the vehicle pulls straight, indicating that the braking system remains in good order.