2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.0L Petrol · JF02 ALF

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of aging rubber components and minor corrosion. While the most recent test in June 2025 at 97,075 miles passed, it flagged deteriorated nearside rear brake hoses and a defective front exhaust mounting. This represents a continuation of issues seen in previous years, where deteriorated brake hoses and corroded pipes were repeatedly noted. The overall trend is stable in terms of compliance, suggesting the owner addresses age-related degradation before it results in a failure. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 97,075 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 4,045 miles per year. The data shows very short intervals of use between March 2022 and June 2025, with the car covering only 2,121 miles in the three-year period between the first two tests. This low mileage likely explains the presence of perished rubber components, such as the failing brake hoses and the tyre failure due to exposed cords noted in March 2023, which often occur when vehicles sit stationary rather than from high mileage wear. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the braking system and steering assembly. The record repeatedly mentions corroded rear brake pipes and deteriorated hoses throughout, alongside a binding nearside front brake caliper reported in 2024. The steering damper has been noted as weeping since at least 2022 and should be checked for significant leaks or play. Given the vehicle's age and low usage, the inspector should also verify the condition of cracking in the tyres and the integrity of the exhaust mounting, as these are the primary points of concern in the recent history.