2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.1L Diesel · E11 SAJ

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA presents a stable and largely sound roadworthiness record, with the most recent MOT conducted on 29 January 2026 at 45,959 miles resulting in a pass. The sole advisory raised was an Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit and worn on edge, indicating a minor consumable wear item rather than a structural or mechanical defect. Looking back across the full history, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual tests, with only tyre-related advisories appearing in January 2024 and January 2026. This pattern suggests a stable maintenance trend, with no recurring mechanical failures, corrosion issues, or brake defects recorded over five consecutive test cycles. The mileage accumulation tells an interesting story for an eight-year-old vehicle. Covering just 45,959 miles over roughly eight years equates to approximately 5,745 miles per year, which is notably low for a modern petrol or diesel saloon. The progression is steady: 20,039 miles in January 2023, 27,689 miles in January 2024, 37,445 miles in January 2025, and 45,959 miles in January 2026. This shows a consistent year-on-year increase of roughly 7,500 to 8,500 miles annually, with no sudden spikes or suspicious gaps. The vehicle has been used regularly but gently, likely for shorter urban or suburban journeys rather than high-mileage motorway work. Low annual mileage can mean reduced drivetrain and brake wear, though it also raises the possibility of long stationary periods, which can affect rubber components, tyre sidewalls, and battery health. The only recurring theme in the MOT history is tyre wear, specifically on the front axle. Both the January 2024 failure and the January 2026 advisory flagged front tyre tread issues, with the 2024 test recording both nearside and offside fronts below the 1.6mm legal minimum. This is not a serious concern in isolation, but the repetition suggests the front tyres may be wearing unevenly or prematurely. Buyers should inspect the front suspension geometry, tracking alignment, and condition of front suspension bushes and ball joints, as misalignment is a common cause of edge wear on front tyres. The offside front tyre wearing on its edge in January 2026 is a classic symptom of toe misalignment or worn track rod ends. Beyond tyres, the clean record across all other categories, including brakes, exhaust emissions, structural integrity, and steering components, is reassuring for a vehicle of this age. A prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough in-person inspection, paying close attention to the condition of all four tyres including sidewalls for age-related cracking, the state of brake discs and pads given the possibility of corrosion from short-trip use, and underneath the vehicle for any signs of surface corrosion on the subframe or suspension mounting points. The battery and auxiliary drive belt should also be checked, as low-mileage vehicles can suffer from battery degradation and belt deterioration due to infrequent use. Overall, the MOT record paints a picture of a well-maintained vehicle with no significant mechanical red flags.