2009 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · GL59 BWN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 24 August 2026, although this followed a failure just two days prior due to a dangerous tyre condition. The overall maintenance trend appears to be reactive rather than proactive, as several issues have persisted or recurred over the last three years. Specifically, the recurring presence of an oil leak and the gradual deterioration of the front brake discs suggest that maintenance is being performed to meet the minimum legal standard rather than to maintain the vehicle in peak mechanical condition. With a recorded mileage of 108,391 miles over seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 6,376 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for a car of this vintage, meaning it has avoided the extremes of excessive wear associated with high-mileage motorway use and the degradation often found in vehicles that have stood idle for long periods. However, at this stage of its life, the mechanical components are entering a phase where age-related fatigue in rubber bushings and seals is expected. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the recurring oil leak noted in the DVSA records since 2023. During a physical inspection, check the engine bay for significant seepage and inspect the ground beneath the vehicle for fresh droplets. The reported pitting and scoring of the front brake discs should be verified; during the test drive, feel for any shuddering or pulsation through the brake pedal, which indicates warped or heavily scored discs. Furthermore, the history of tyre wear, including a recent dangerous failure, suggests a lack of attention to consumables. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, which could point to underlying wheel alignment or suspension geometry issues. The repeated mentions of deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers indicate that the front suspension components are wearing. Listen for characteristic clunks or knocking sounds when driving over uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvres. Given the vehicle's age, it is also essential to verify the service history to ensure that calendar-based maintenance, such as transmission fluid changes and coolant flushes, has been performed regardless of the moderate annual mileage. Ensure that the current tyre depths are well above the legal limit and that the brake pads have sufficient remaining material to avoid immediate replacement costs.