2018 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Petrol · HF18 HFB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the most recent inspection indicates the first sign of mechanical wear in several years. In the April 2026 test at 23,255 miles, the tester identified play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint and a worn pin or bush. This represents a shift from the previous three years of clean records, suggesting that rubber components and ball joints are now beginning to degrade due to age rather than high mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for an eight-year-old vehicle averaging approximately 2,900 miles per year. Between February 2022 and April 2026, the car covered only 11,469 miles, which explains the lack of defects in the mid-2020s tests. This low usage typically implies the drivetrain and engine have faced minimal thermal stress, but it also increases the likelihood of dry rot in rubber-related parts and surface corrosion on brake discs and exhaust components if the vehicle has sat stationary for extended periods. A buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension geometry to assess the extent of the play on the offside arm. While the MOT only flagged these as advisories rather than a failure, the worn bush will eventually lead to uneven tyre wear and steering instability if not addressed. It is also advisable to check for brake pitting or seizing, as low-use vehicles often suffer from calipers seizing or discs corroding from lack of consistent friction.