2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · GJ58 ACE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive mechanical care. While the most recent MOT test in February 2026 at 127,426 miles passed without defects, it followed a failure just four days prior due to a binding nearside rear brake. This recurring issue suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical faults when they cause a test failure, leading to a cycle where components are run to the absolute limit of failure before replacement. The mileage profile is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,100 miles per year. There is a notable gap in the records between August 2017 and January 2019, during which the car sat for nearly 15,000 miles. Since 2019, the usage has remained steady and predictable, covering over 39,000 miles in the intervening years. This consistent use explains the increasing frequency of wear-related failures, particularly regarding the suspension and braking components observed in later test entries. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. The record shows repeated failures for worn ball joints, anti-roll bar linkages, and wheel bearings, indicating that the front-end geometry is frequently neglected. The braking history is particularly concerning, with the nearside rear caliper binding noted in both 2025 and 2026. You should check for uneven pad wear, scored discs, and signs of a seized caliper piston. Given the recurring trend of tyres being driven to the legal limit, the current tread depth and tyre quality should be verified to ensure they are not also nearing immediate replacement.