2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.6L Petrol · HB14 BEE

The recorded MOT history shows a broadly stable roadworthiness profile for this ten-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLA, with six passes, one failure, and a cluster of minor advisories concentrated in the 2020 to 2021 period. The single failure on 4 October 2024 was solely a headlamp aim defect on the nearside front unit, categorised as a present and dangerous item because the beam was directed too high and risked dazzling oncoming traffic. This is typically a straightforward adjustment of the headlamp levelling mechanism or a manual re-aim rather than an indicator of deeper electrical or structural concern, and the vehicle passed without defects at the immediately following test on 12 March 2026. The advisory pattern from earlier tests centred on tyre condition and brake disc surface wear, both of which are normal consumable observations on a vehicle approaching a decade of service, and none of these items reappeared at subsequent tests. Mileage progression across the recorded tests indicates typical usage for the age of the car, with an annual accumulation rate of roughly 6,300 miles, placing it squarely within expected parameters for a privately owned executive saloon of this generation. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest a long period off the road, and the mileage between tests increases in a consistent, incremental fashion consistent with regular rather than sporadic use. At this average mileage, the mechanical exposure of the major drivetrain, suspension, and braking components has been moderate, meaning that service items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and cabin filtration will have required periodic replacement but the major assemblies are unlikely to have accumulated excessive wear. The recorded odometer reading of 63,047 miles is therefore proportionate to the vehicle's age and supports a sensible interpretation of component life remaining. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities on inspection should reflect the specific components that have attracted attention historically. The nearside rear tyre was noted as slightly perished in 2023, and both rear tyres showed similar cracking damage in 2021, alongside a nearside front tyre advisory in 2020. On inspection, all four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, tread depth uniformity, and any uneven inner-edge wear, which on a front-wheel-drive-biased platform such as the CLA can indicate worn suspension bushes or alignment irregularities. A test drive should focus on any steering pull to one side, vagueness through the centre, or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as these would suggest worn lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, neither of which have been formally recorded but are common at this mileage. The 2020 advisories on both front brake discs should prompt a physical check of disc lipping and surface condition on a test drive. Excessive vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, a pulsing brake pedal, or any grinding or binding sensation typically indicates disc runout or pad glazing, and the brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive. Given the historical nearside front headlamp aim issue, it is worth verifying that both headlamp units sit level and that any automatic or manual levelling system operates correctly, as a repeat misalignment could indicate worn mounting brackets or strut top bearing wear. Finally, a thorough under-bonnet inspection for any residue or misting around the cam cover, oil filter housing, and turbo oil feed lines is advisable, as these are known seepage points on the M270 and OM651 engine families fitted to this generation, even though no such defects appear in the MOT record itself.