2010 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · DP53 AJS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach to repairs. The most recent test on 22 October 2025 at 139,709 miles initially failed due to a fractured offside front coil spring and split dust covers on the lower arm tie rod ball joint. While the car passed immediately following these repairs, the presence of a broken spring suggests that suspension components are only addressed once they reach a critical point of failure. At 139,709 miles over 16 years, the car has averaged approximately 8,732 miles per year, which aligns with typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression appears consistent across recorded intervals, with roughly 4,000 miles driven between the November 2024 and 2025 tests, and approximately 7,700 miles between October 2023 and 2024. This steady usage pattern suggests the vehicle has undergone standard wear on rubber components and mechanical joints over its lifespan. A physical inspection should focus heavily on the front suspension and braking system given the recurring issues. The 2024 test flagged thin front brake pads and a dangerously worn nearside rear inner tyre, indicating that consumable maintenance was neglected until inspection intervention. Furthermore, the 2023 advisory noted corroded brake pipes obscured by grease, which is a common tactic used to hide structural degradation of metal lines. A buyer must verify the integrity of these brake lines and check for further corrosion on the suspension mounting to ensure the fractured spring noted in 2025 was not an isolated incident of wider component fatigue.