2010 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · DX60 NCD

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 21 January 2026 at 140,583 miles, passed but flagged three advisories that signal a shift from the clean records of previous years. An oil leak, though deemed not excessive, has persisted since at least January 2025, suggesting a slow seep that has gone unaddressed for over a year. The tester also noted corrosion on the offside front brake pipe, hidden under grease or contamination, alongside severely deteriorated dust covers on both front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. These are not new problems in isolation, but their appearance after two consecutive clean tests in 2023 and 2024 indicates a declining trend in preventative upkeep. The car remains roadworthy today, but the trajectory of defects warrants closer scrutiny. The mileage accumulation tells a story of changing usage patterns. Between the February 2023 test at 80,225 miles and the January 2024 test at 100,597 miles, the car covered 20,372 miles in under twelve months, a sharp jump from the prior annual average of roughly 8,800 miles. That spike suggests a period of sustained high-speed or long-distance driving, which can accelerate wear on consumables and drivetrain components. Since then, the mileage has climbed another 40,000 miles in just over two years, confirming the vehicle is being driven hard. The 2022 advisory for a worn offside rear tyre already hinted at uneven wear patterns, and the current mileage intensity makes it likely that suspension geometry, tyre wear, and brake condition deserve a thorough check. A buyer should focus on the front suspension and braking system during any inspection. The repeated anti-roll bar linkage dust cover deterioration means the ball joints are exposed to road grit and moisture, which accelerates wear and can lead to play or knocking over bumps. The corroded offside front brake pipe is a structural concern; even if currently covered in grease, corrosion on a brake line compromises long-term integrity and should be assessed for replacement rather than cosmetic treatment. The persistent oil leak, present across two consecutive tests, needs tracing to its source, whether that is a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing seal, or crankshaft seal, as neglected leaks can eventually lead to oil contamination of rubber components or, in worst cases, low oil pressure. Beyond the flagged items, the high recent mileage means the car's consumable components are likely approaching replacement intervals. Inspect the condition of all four brake discs and pads, check for uneven tyre wear that could indicate worn bushes or tracking issues, and examine the underside for any fresh corrosion on subframes or suspension mounting points. The clean 2023 and 2024 tests show the car was well-maintained at lower mileages, but the latest advisories suggest that standard maintenance may have slipped. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, with particular attention to the front end and braking system, is strongly recommended before committing.