2003 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.2L Diesel · HK53 FNH

The vehicle failed its most recent MOT on 2026-07-09 at 171,945 miles, indicating a worsening maintenance trend. Multiple critical issues were recorded, including heavily corroded doors, excessive wear in front suspension ball joints, and pitted brake discs. The tester flagged corrosion on integral body structures, with structural rigidity not significantly reduced, but the combination of brake pipe grease contamination, exhaust leaks, and corroded parking brake components suggests neglect in addressing systemic wear. Previous tests from 2025 and 2024 also noted recurring corrosion and suspension play, but the latest failure highlights unresolved deterioration in key safety and structural elements. The vehicle’s mileage of 171,945 miles over 23 years equates to approximately 7,476 miles annually, aligning with typical usage for its age. However, the 2024-07-09 MOT recorded two separate tests at the same mileage, one passing and one failing, suggesting inconsistent repair efforts. The 2025-06-26 test at 166,845 miles showed minor improvements, but the 2026 failure at 171,945 miles reveals that corrosion and mechanical wear have progressed. The gap between 2023 and 2024 tests, with no recorded MOTs in 2022, raises questions about maintenance continuity, though the data does not confirm periods of inactivity. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the suspension system for worn bushes and coil springs, as ball joint play and corrosion have persisted across multiple tests. Brake discs, pipes, and calipers require close scrutiny for warping, leakage, or binding, given repeated warnings about wear and contamination. Structural corrosion on sills and doors, while not compromising rigidity yet, demands assessment for potential progression. The exhaust system and parking brake components also warrant detailed examination, as their deterioration could indicate broader underbody neglect.