2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L Diesel · EX13 FAM

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 September 2024 recorded a PASS, however two advisories were raised which warrant careful consideration. The first noted slight play in the offside steering linkage ball joint, specifically the inner rack end, and the second recorded play in the offside front shock absorber. While neither defect was sufficient to fail the test, both indicate wear in primary steering and suspension components which have a direct bearing on handling precision and roadholding. In isolation these are not immediate concerns, but a prospective buyer should be aware that the rack end may progress to requiring replacement and that a worn shock absorber will continue to deteriorate, particularly given the high commercial mileage this vehicle has covered. The fact that the 2022 test also recorded play in the steering rack inner joint confirms that this is a longstanding wear pattern rather than a sudden development, suggesting the component has been slowly degrading for several years. With 329,860 miles accumulated over a 13-year working life, the Sprinter is averaging roughly 25,374 miles annually, which is substantially above the mileage expected for most light commercial vehicles of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous service, and the consistently high annual usage means consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, suspension bushes and turbocharger wear items will have endured considerably more stress than a lower mileage equivalent. The 2019 failure entry is particularly telling, including a dangerous defect for nearside front tyre with exposed ply or cords, and a separate dangerous failure for parking brake efficiency below 50 percent of the required value, alongside a major defect for an insecure rear leaf spring to axle fixing bolt. These items point to a vehicle that, at that time, was operating at or beyond its service limits in several critical safety areas, and although subsequent passes demonstrate remedial action was taken, the underlying wear rates associated with such intensive commercial use remain a concern. A thorough physical inspection should begin with a test drive on a variety of road surfaces, paying particular attention to any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over bumps, which would suggest the worn shock absorber or steering rack end have progressed beyond advisory status. Steering should be checked for looseness or vagueness around the straight-ahead position, and uneven front tyre wear patterns would corroborate any play in the steering or suspension linkage. The 2021 advisories for brake pipe corrosion along the front to rear run, and for worn front brake discs, indicate that the braking system has been subjected to heavy use, so the buyer should inspect disc faces for lipping, ridges or hot spots and verify that flexible brake hoses remain supple and free of cracking, particularly underneath where salt and road grime accumulate. The rear leaf spring mounting points flagged in 2019 should be examined for any movement, cracked spring eyes, or perished bushes, and a check underneath for fresh oil seepage around the engine and transmission areas is advisable given the 2022 advisory for an oil leak. Beyond the specific advisories, this vehicle demands a comprehensive age and mileage related inspection programme. The brake fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid and automatic transmission fluid if fitted should all be considered overdue for renewal based on calendar age alone, as fluid degradation occurs regardless of mileage and can lead to internal corrosion or reduced component protection. The 12 volt battery is likely on borrowed time given the vehicle's age and should be load tested, while a look underneath at the exhaust system for corrosion or blowing joints is essential on any high mileage Sprinter, as heat cycling over many years will have taken its toll. Tyres should be examined not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking and perishing from age, and all underbody components including the anti-roll bar linkage bushes, lower wishbones and engine mounts deserve close scrutiny, as the 2022 advisories noted wear in the rear anti-roll bar pins. Finally, confirming a full service history with evidence of cambelt or timing chain replacement, turbocharger inspection and routine oil changes at appropriate intervals will be critical in determining whether this hardworking commercial vehicle has been adequately maintained or simply run until each component fails in turn.