2010 Mercedes-Benz C 3.0L Diesel · FP10 OUO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred repairs regarding suspension and braking. While it passed its latest test in June 2025 at 169,887 miles, it did so with multiple advisories that indicate ongoing mechanical wear. The transition from a failure for a worn ball joint in 2023 to an advisory for slight play in the same area in 2025 suggests that while immediate faults are addressed, the underlying suspension components are reaching the end of their lifespan. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 16-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,600 miles per year. The car covered 10,922 miles between the June 2024 and June 2025 tests, and roughly 9,000 miles in the year preceding that. This steady usage suggests the vehicle is driven regularly rather than left to sit, which explains the progressive wear on consumables like tyres and suspension bushings. The high cumulative mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain and structural sub-frames. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear sub-frame, as the 2025 record flagged corrosion that while not yet structurally weakened, requires close monitoring to prevent perforation. The steering rack inner joints and lower suspension arm ball joints show signs of play, which will eventually affect steering precision and cause tyre scrub. Additionally, the parking brake has been a recurring issue with uneven effort and low efficiency since 2023, indicating that the mechanism or wheel cylinders are likely failing and require professional attention to maintain stopping performance. The tyre wear patterns are also a concern, with heavy wear on the inner and outer edges noted across multiple axles. This points to a persistent alignment issue or worn suspension geometry that has not been rectified. Given the recurring nature of these faults and the high mileage, a prospective buyer should budget for a comprehensive suspension overhaul and a full brake service to ensure the vehicle remains safe and economical to run.