2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Petrol · FP59 FJO

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 24 February 2026, though the overall maintenance trend suggests a reactive approach to upkeep rather than a preventative one. While the car has successfully passed several tests, there are recurring advisories regarding the suspension and braking systems that have persisted across multiple years. The presence of multiple advisories in the most recent test, following a clean pass in early 2025, indicates that wear and tear is accelerating or that necessary repairs are being deferred. With a recorded mileage of 97,883 miles over seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 5,758 miles per year, which is significantly lower than the UK national average. While this suggests less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, low-usage vehicles are often susceptible to degradation caused by standing. This typically manifests as the perishing of rubber components, corrosion of brake discs due to inactivity, and the degradation of fluids that should be replaced based on a calendar interval rather than mileage. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension system, specifically the front nearside shock absorber, which has been flagged for oil misting since 2022. This indicates a long-term slow leak that has not been addressed, and the recent addition of the offside rear shock to this list suggests a general failure of the damping system. During a test drive, listen for clunks over uneven surfaces and feel for excessive body roll or a bouncing sensation. Additionally, the history of pitted and scored brake discs, combined with a previous dangerous failure for worn pads, necessitates a thorough inspection of the braking surface for heavy corrosion or binding calipers that may result from infrequent use. The tyre condition is a recurring point of concern, with frequent advisories for edge wear and perishing. You must physically inspect the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. Given the low annual mileage, verify the service history to ensure the engine oil and coolant have been changed according to the manufacturer's time-based intervals. Finally, check the health of the 12V battery and inspect the nearside rear coil spring for the corrosion noted in previous records, as structural rust in the suspension springs can lead to sudden failure.