2008 Mercedes A-Class 1.7L Petrol · FV58 OEO

The vehicle remains roadworthy but shows a trend of worsening mechanical neglect regarding rubber and braking components. The most recent test in September 2025 at 161,317 miles identified several new issues including a binding nearside rear brake, pitted rear discs, and severe deterioration of both offside front drive shaft boots. While the car passed, the persistence of recurring faults like the exhaust leak and parking brake defect suggests that the owner is only addressing the minimum repairs required to pass the MOT test rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 161,317 miles over 18 years, the vehicle averages approximately 9,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for an older city car. The record shows steady use, with roughly 6,000 miles covered between the October 2022 and September 2025 tests. There are no significant gaps in the history to suggest the car has sat stationary for long periods. While the mileage accumulation is linear, the density of advisories and failures indicates that the vehicle is reaching a stage where age-related wear requires significant investment. A buyer must prioritise a structural inspection of the underbody, as records have flagged floor corrosion since at least 2021. Although the tester noted structural rigidity is currently maintained, the presence of rust on a vehicle of this age often precedes more serious issues. The front suspension area requires close attention; the repeated failure of the CV joint boots from 2023 through 2025 indicates the joints may be nearing failure, which would lead to costly axle replacements. Additionally, the binding rear caliper and corroded front brake pipe noted in 2022 suggest the braking system is suffering from environmental degradation and needs a thorough check to ensure consistent stopping performance.