2014 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · FD63 CCU

A ten-year-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class carrying 119,039 miles presents a clean and reassuring DVSA roadworthiness history, with the most recent test on 14 May 2025 returning no recorded defects or advisories. This follows an immediately prior failed attempt on 6 May 2025 that, notably, was also free of any categorised defects, suggesting the failure was administrative or related to a component rectified between tests rather than any underlying structural or mechanical deterioration. Across the recorded testing history from 2022 through 2025, the vehicle has consistently passed without any advisories being logged for suspension components, brake systems, corrosion, exhaust integrity, or lighting. The absence of advisory notes for items such as brake disc wear, coil springs, or underbody corrosion over multiple consecutive tests is a positive indicator for a vehicle in this age and mileage bracket, particularly given Mercedes chassis are frequently flagged for rust around arches, subframes, and brake pipe unions as they accumulate mileage. Annual mileage of approximately 9,920 miles is broadly consistent with the national average for a 12-year-old vehicle, indicating regular rather than sporadic use. The vehicle has been tested annually since 2022 with no apparent gaps in road use or extended periods off the road, which supports consistent fluid circulation, regular brake and tyre wear cycling, and steady component conditioning rather than the stagnation issues that can affect low‑mileage or laid‑up cars. The mileage progression between tests appears steady, with no abrupt jumps that would suggest a clocked history or a sudden change in usage pattern such as a long motorway commute replacing short urban runs, meaning the wear profile of consumables is likely to be evenly distributed rather than skewed towards any particular failure mode. A continuous testing record of this kind also provides confidence that the vehicle has not been hiding defect development through SORN periods. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component flagged from prior inspections to prioritise, but the mechanical realities of a 119,000-mile Mercedes of this era warrant a focused physical inspection regardless. On a test drive, attention should be given to the suspension for any clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front lower wishbones, radius arms, and anti-roll bar drop links, which are common wear items on the W204 C-Class at this mileage. The steering should be tested for any vagueness, knocking from the column, or knocking through the rack mounts, as these are known fatigue points. Brake feel should be checked for a firm pedal without sponginess, and the vehicle should pull up straight without judder under heavy braking, which would indicate disc warping common to higher-mileage Mercedes. Listen for any clonking from the rear subframe mounting bushes over speed humps, and inspect the rear brake calipers for any signs of seizing that might manifest as uneven pad wear. Underneath the vehicle, a careful examination with a torch or on a ramp is advisable to check for the early signs of corrosion around the wheel arches, sills, and the rear lower suspension spring platforms, as Mercedes chassis of this vintage are known to develop rust in these areas even when MOT advisories have not yet been triggered. The engine bay should be inspected for any oil misting or weeping from the rocker cover gasket and the OM646 diesel injector seals if this is the diesel variant, both of which are known to seep at this mileage. On startup, the engine should turn over promptly without excessive smoke, and once warm should idle smoothly without misfire or rough running. Given the clean MOT record, there is no specific failed component history to chase, but a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist or a thorough physical examination addressing the well-documented W204 weak points would provide the most complete assurance for a vehicle now entering the higher-mileage phase of its service life.