2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 3.0L Diesel · KA56 LAR

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward mechanical wear and neglect. While it passed the most recent test in November 2025 at 127,712 miles, the tester flagged a worn rear brake disc and a thinning nearside rear tyre. This represents a decline from the clean records seen between 2021 and 2023, indicating that the vehicle is now entering a phase where consumable components require proactive replacement. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 10,000 miles per year. Between the November 2021 test at 95,230 miles and the November 2025 test at 127,712 miles, the car covered over 32,000 miles. This usage suggests regular road use rather than long periods of immobility. However, the sudden appearance of defects in the last two tests suggests that the interval between mechanical inspections may be exceeding the lifespan of certain components. A buyer must prioritize investigating the recurring oil leak which has been noted in both the November 2024 and 2025 tests. Although the tester described these as not excessive, a persistent leak on a Mercedes-Benz engine often indicates aging gaskets or seal failures that will eventually lead to more significant failures. The braking system also requires a thorough physical inspection, as the transition from pitted and scored discs in 2024 to worn discs in 2025 indicates the braking hardware is reaching the end of its functional life. Checking the suspension geometry for uneven wear is also essential, as the edge wear on the nearside rear tyre often points to alignment issues or worn suspension bushes.