2004 Mercedes-Benz E 2.6L Petrol · KA04 HZU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of deferred repairs and structural degradation. While it passed its latest test in July 2025 at 122,639 miles, this followed a significant failure just two days prior at 122,628 miles. That failure highlighted critical issues including exhausted brake pads, worn ball joints, and serious structural corrosion. Although the immediate mechanical faults were addressed, the recurring nature of thin brake pads and suspension wear suggests a pattern of reacting to MOT failures rather than performing preventative maintenance. At approximately 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 122,639 miles is notably low, averaging roughly 5,500 miles per year. This low usage profile often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and structural integrity, which occur over time regardless of distance. Between July 2022 and July 2025, the vehicle covered only 5,870 miles, yet the tester recorded persistent issues with the front suspension and ball joint dust covers, indicating that age-related wear is the primary concern rather than high annual mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough in-person inspection of the offside front inner vehicle structure and chassis. The 2025 failure flagged excessive corrosion seriously affecting strength near a body mounting, which is a high-risk structural defect that can spread if not monitored. The buyer should also verify the front lower suspension arm ball joints and dust covers, as these have been flagged for play or deterioration consistently since 2022. The exhaust system shows a history of minor leaks and corroded mountings dating back several years, suggesting the assembly may be nearing the end of its functional life.