2002 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · EX52 JLV

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C remains roadworthy as of the most recent test, with a clean pass recorded on 29 August 2024 at 133,454 miles showing no defects. The maintenance trend appears stable, though the history reveals a recurring pattern of same-week failures followed by immediate passes, suggesting administrative or minor pre-test corrections rather than escalating mechanical decline. Mileage sits at 133,454 miles against 24 years of age, equating to roughly 5,561 miles per year and indicating light use for a Mercedes of this era. The record shows a gap between 27 September 2021 at 104,795 miles and 25 October 2022 at 113,536 miles, a modest 8,741-mile accumulation over thirteen months. A further 19,918 miles were added by the August 2024 tests, with only 41 miles separating the 23 August failure and 29 August pass. The DVSA entries flag no advisories or defects across any test, including the two failures on 25 October 2022 and 23 August 2024 which recorded no defects of any kind. Such blank failure records typically denote documentation or presentation issues at the testing station rather than worn tyres, corroded suspension bushes, or failing brake discs. A buyer should still commission an independent inspection of structural integrity and underbody corrosion given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, as standing periods accelerate rust on coil springs and subframes. Verify the front suspension bushes, brake caliper operation, and exhaust emissions in person, since a clean MOT history on a 24-year-old car does not confirm component condition beyond the test date.