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2005 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · GK05 ACU

GK05 ACU

2005 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 31 Dec 2005. Recorded mileage 160,443 miles. MOT expired on 09 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.

Make & Model
MERCEDES-BENZ C
Year / Origin
2005 · Maidstone
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 09 Oct 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
Recorded Mileage
160,443 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.1L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 09 Oct 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Oct 2026
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2005
Engine
2150cc
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Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.

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GK05 ACU Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 06/10/2025
  • 160,443 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

GK05 ACU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 7 Oct 2026, 02:00
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (GK05 ACU) between October 2023 and October 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 06 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 17 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

GK05 ACU Mileage History

  1. 11/10/202394,858 mi
  2. 04/10/2024157,470 km
  3. 04/10/2024157,474 mi
  4. 06/10/2025160,408 mi+2,934 mi
  5. 06/10/2025160,443 mi+35 mi

Average of roughly 32,999 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
50
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
62/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The current mileage of 160,443 is signif...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution due to a recent spike in mileage and repeated MOT failures. While the most recent test was a pass, the vehicle's recent history suggests a period of increased wear.

Given the significant mileage increase since 2023, your priority should be verifying the service history to ensure maintenance has kept pace with the higher usage. Ask the seller for evidence of recent major service intervals, particularly for the 2150cc diesel engine.

Because the MOT history shows failures in both 2024 and 2025, you should investigate what was repaired to achieve the subsequent passes. Negotiate based on the fact that the vehicle has required remedial work to pass its most recent tests, and ensure all recent repairs are documented with receipts.

As a 2.1L diesel, fuel economy should be relatively efficient for long-distance driving, though costs will depend heavily on driving style and maintenance. Tax and insurance groups for a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vary, but typically fall into mid-range brackets.

Maintenance costs for this model can be higher than average due to the premium nature of the brand. Expect typical diesel engine maintenance requirements, such as fuel filter changes and potential attention to the turbocharger or EGR valve as mileage climbs north of 160,000.

Pay close attention to the suspension and tyres. Aggregate data for this model shows that tyres, headlamps, and suspension arms are common failure points. Given the high mileage, check for any signs of worn bushings or uneven tyre wear which could indicate suspension issues.

Additionally, inspect the blue paintwork for signs of corrosion or neglect, and check the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks. Since the vehicle failed its MOT twice in the last two years, a thorough inspection of the braking system and lighting is essential to ensure the recent repairs are holding up.

This 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel presents a complex history. While the 2023 MOT was recorded at 94,858 miles, the vehicle has since covered approximately 65,000 miles, reaching 160,443 miles by October 2025. The MOT history shows two failures in the last two years, although specific defect details were not recorded in the provided data.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows an average MOT pass rate of 82.2% across the analysed fleet, with common issues relating to tyres, lighting, and suspension.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns