2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.1L Diesel · FP62 UHM

The most recent MOT, conducted on 10 January 2024 at 47,409 miles, returned a clean pass with zero defects. This is a strong indicator of current roadworthiness, though the test is now over two years old as of June 2026, so a fresh inspection is advisable. The maintenance trend over the past five years shows a clear improvement. The vehicle failed its December 2020 test for fractured rear coil springs, a serious suspension defect, but the subsequent retest five days later passed, suggesting those springs were replaced. Since that repair, the record shows no further suspension or structural failures, and the advisories have diminished in severity. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2012 vehicle. Covering roughly 3,386 miles per year, the car has seen light use. Between the November 2022 test at 43,193 miles and the January 2024 test at 47,409 miles, the vehicle covered 4,216 miles in just over 14 months, which is a modest but steady increase. The earlier records show a similar pattern of gradual accumulation, with no sudden spikes or suspicious gaps that would suggest mileage tampering or prolonged standing. The low annual mileage implies reduced wear on the drivetrain and suspension, though long periods of inactivity can cause its own issues, such as perished rubber components and surface corrosion. The recurring theme across multiple tests is rear brake wear. Inner rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in December 2020, December 2021, and November 2022. Rear brake discs were also noted as worn in November 2022. This pattern suggests the rear braking system works harder than expected, possibly due to driving habits or a binding caliper that was not explicitly flagged but could accelerate pad wear. A buyer should inspect the rear calipers for sticking slides and check whether the handbrake mechanism is contributing to premature wear. The fractured coil springs in 2020 were a significant structural concern, but their replacement appears to have resolved the issue. Still, a buyer should examine the spring seats and dampers for leaks or uneven settling, as low-mileage vehicles can develop corrosion from sitting stationary. The November 2022 test also flagged perished sidewalls on both front tyres, a classic sign of age-related deterioration rather than mileage wear. Given the low annual mileage, tyres may need replacing due to age even with legal tread remaining. A buyer should check the date codes on all four tyres and the spare. Overall, the MOT record suggests a vehicle that has been maintained adequately after a serious suspension failure, with no recurring structural or mechanical defects since 2020. The clean 2024 pass is encouraging, but the age of that test and the historical rear brake wear warrant a thorough in-person inspection before purchase.