2011 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · HV61 WKD

The vehicle is currently unroadworthy, having failed its MOT on 4 June 2026 at 126,123 miles. The maintenance trend is sharply worsening. Where the car passed cleanly in May 2023 at 110,410 miles and again in June 2024 at 118,163 miles with only minor advisories, the most recent test reveals a cluster of serious safety-critical defects that point to a prolonged period of neglect rather than gradual wear. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,400 miles per year is entirely typical for a 2011 vehicle, and the record shows no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps between tests. The problem is not how far the car has been driven but how little has been spent on it. A clean pass with zero defects in May 2023 suggests the car was in reasonable order, yet within three years the front suspension has deteriorated to the point where both nearside and offside anti-roll bar linkage ball joints are excessively worn, both dust covers are severely deteriorated, and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint is flagged as likely to become detached. The same neglect pattern appears in the braking system. The June 2024 test noted worn front brake discs and thin front pads, yet by June 2026 both rear brake pipes are excessively corroded, both front brake pipes are corroded and contaminated, and the offside rear service brake is binding. These are not items that deteriorate overnight. Corroded brake pipes and a binding caliper indicate the car has been sitting or driven with known faults for an extended period. The ABS and ESP warning lamps, the loose exhaust heatshield, and the non-functioning central rear seatbelt complete a picture of a vehicle where basic safety systems have been left unaddressed. A buyer must treat this car as a project requiring immediate mechanical attention before it can be considered for road use. The front suspension requires thorough inspection, particularly the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, which the tester judged likely to detach. Both anti-roll bar linkages and all four dust covers need replacement. The entire braking system needs a detailed inspection, starting with all four brake pipes, which are corroded and contaminated, and the binding offside rear caliper. The ABS and ESP faults require electronic diagnosis to determine whether the issue lies in wheel speed sensors, the control module, or wiring. The central rear seatbelt mechanism must be tested and repaired. None of these are minor cosmetic issues. They are structural and mechanical defects that directly affect steering integrity, braking performance, and occupant restraint. The June 2026 failure is comprehensive and unambiguous. This car should not be driven until the listed defects are rectified and a fresh MOT confirms roadworthiness.