2003 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · FY03 FSA

The vehicle shows a consistent history of age-related wear typical of a low-mileage Mercedes of this era. The most recent test in December 2025 at 95,400 miles indicates the car passed despite noted play in both the nearside and offside front wheel bearings, alongside a non-excessive oil leak and a defective wiper blade. This follows a recurring pattern of minor mechanical degradation observed over the last five years, suggesting that while the vehicle is maintained, repairs are often reactive to MOT-level thresholds rather than proactive. With 95,400 miles covered over 23 years, the car has averaged approximately 4,150 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to the degradation of rubber components rather than mechanical wear. This is evidenced by the repeated reports of worn rear suspension arm bushes and perished tyres noted in between 2021, 2023, and 2024. The persistent oil leak mentioned in every annual test since at least 2020 suggests a slow-forming seal or gasket failure that has not been addressed by the previous owners. Structural integrity is the primary area of concern for a buyer. The rear sub-frame has been flagged for corrosion in both 2023 and 2024; while the tester noted it was not yet seriously weakened, the presence of corrosion on the front brake actuating linkage and rear master cylinder servo mounts in 2024 indicates that the underbody is subject to significant oxidation. A buyer should inspect the sub-frame for deep pitting corrosion to ensure the surface rust has not progressed into a structural failure, as the record shows a clear trend of increasing corrosion across various chassis components.