2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L Diesel · ES65 APE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the most recent inspection indicates a significant decline in braking system maintenance. While the van passed its test in December 2025 at 129,100 miles, this followed a major failure just five days prior at 129,095 miles. That failure revealed critical issues including parking brake efficiency at below 50% of the required value, excessive lever movement, and fluctuating offside front service brakes. This suggests that the braking system was only addressed reactively to meet legal standards rather than through a preventative maintenance schedule. The mileage pattern reflects consistent high-intensity usage, averaging approximately 14,300 miles per year over the nine-year period. Between November 2023 (106,765 miles) and December 2024 (126,607 miles), the vehicle covered nearly 20,000 miles in just over springer months. This rapid accumulation is typical for commercial heavy-duty vans but accelerates the wear on suspension components, drivetrain, and brakes. The clean records from late 2023 and 2024 show a period of stability, yet the recent spike in mileage correlates directly with the mechanical failures observed in the latest test. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the parking brake mechanism and rear drum assembly. Given the recent failure for low efficiency and fluctuating offside brakes, the discs should be checked for thinning or uneven wear, and the major inspected for potential binding. The high annual mileage also demands a check of the suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock artwork for signs of fatigue or leakage. Additionally, the windscreen damage noted in the 2025 records should be monitored to ensure cracks do not propagate into the driver's field of vision.