2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.3L Petrol · FD70 AWR

A clean and unblemished MOT history defines this 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, with the most recent test on 23 May 2025 resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This follows a pass on 15 November 2024, and looking back through the records there is a prior failure on the same date in November 2024, though no specific defect categories were captured against that entry, alongside an earlier pass on 28 October 2023. The overall trend is one of straightforward roadworthiness with no advisory items accumulating over the four recorded tests, suggesting the vehicle has not yet developed the wear-related defects typical of its component groups. For a six-year-old CLA, the absence of flagged brake, suspension, or corrosion issues at the most recent examination is a positive indicator of its structural and mechanical condition at that point. With 36,507 miles recorded against a six-year vehicle age, this CLA has covered approximately 6,084 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage expectations for a premium saloon of this type. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for extended periods, nor are there any mileage inconsistencies or rapid accumulation between tests. This steady, moderate usage pattern generally favours longevity of consumables such as brake pads and discs, tyres, and suspension bushes, as the components have experienced regular but not excessive operating cycles. Mechanically, this kind of mileage places the car in a position where routine servicing items are likely approaching or due for replacement, but no premature wear concerns should be inferred from the test history alone. Given the absence of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should still perform a focused inspection on the components most commonly affected by mid-life wear on the CLA platform. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, both known wear items on Mercedes-Benz models of this era. Pay particular attention to brake pedal feel, checking for excessive travel, sponginess, or judder under moderate braking, as binding calipers and worn front discs can develop on higher-mileage examples even when not flagged at MOT. Inspect the underside carefully for any signs of oil seepage from the engine or transmission, as well as corrosion around suspension mounting points and the subframe, areas where the MOT tester's attention would be drawn if significant. Steering response is another area worth assessing, particularly on motorway runs and during low-speed manoeuvres, where any vagueness, pulling to one side, or uneven tyre wear on the front wheels could point to worn track rod ends or compliance bushes. The tyres themselves should be checked for even shoulder wear across both axles, as misaligned geometry from worn suspension components often manifests here before becoming apparent in handling. Under the bonnet, look for evidence of coolant leaks around the radiator and expansion tank, a known weak point on Mercedes-Benz vehicles approaching this age, and confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after ignition. Despite the clean MOT history, a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist or independent garage with the vehicle raised on a ramp remains the prudent course of action to confirm the condition of components that fall outside the scope of the standard MOT test.