2012 Mercedes-Benz C 3.0L Diesel · KP12 CVE
2012 Mercedes-Benz C (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01/07/2012. Recorded mileage 174,649 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/01/2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Northampton
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15/08/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/01/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 174,649 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 2987cc
KP12 CVE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/08/2025
- 174,649 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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KP12 CVE Mileage History
- 08/08/2022140,292 mi
- 16/08/2023150,921 mi+10,629 mi
- 17/08/2023150,922 mi+1 mi
- 14/08/2024164,297 mi+13,375 mi
- 12/08/2025174,649 mi+10,352 mi
Average of roughly 11,410 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
KP12 CVE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (KP12 CVE) between August 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Side repeater light intensity significantly reduced (4.4.3 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough inspection before buying this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C diesel. The high mileage and recurring corrosion-related advisories suggest it has been used heavily and may need ongoing maintenance.
Given the MOT history, prioritise a review of the service records to confirm regular oil changes and timing chain or belt intervals on the 2987cc diesel unit, as high mileage increases wear risk. Use the August 2023 failure (side repeater light, corroded brake pipe, coil springs, anti-roll bar dust covers) as a negotiation point — these are not catastrophic but reflect deferred minor maintenance you may inherit. Inspect the vehicle in person for evidence of the noted corrosion on the rear subframe and steel brake pipes, as the 2025 test still flagged both as corroded though not excessive.
As a 3.0-litre diesel registered in 2012, this C-Class will fall into a higher VED band than smaller petrol equivalents, though exact tax depends on current rates for pre-April 2017 diesels. Insurance group is likely mid-to-high for the era given the engine size and luxury branding. With 174,649 miles on the clock, budget for above-average maintenance such as suspension bushes, brake pipes and possibly subframe treatment; estimated annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance and typical upkeep is £1,400-£1,800.
The MOT history shows a failed test on 2023-08-16 for an offside side repeater with reduced light intensity, so check all exterior lights function correctly and have not been poorly repaired. Corrosion is a recurring theme: 2024 and 2025 advisories note rear subframe corrosion, o/s front steel brake pipe corrosion, and corroded coil springs front and rear — physically inspect these areas underneath for scale or weakening. Anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers were severely deteriorated from 2023 to 2024, so examine the front suspension for torn gaiters and any play in the ball joints noted at 164,297 miles.
This blue 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 3.0-litre diesel (KP12CVE) has covered 174,649 miles as of its August 2025 MOT, well above typical use for a 13-year-old car. MOT history shows a single failure in August 2023 for a side repeater light and several wear items, with repeated advisories for corrosion on brake pipes, coil springs, subframe and anti-roll bar dust covers. The vehicle has passed its last three MOTs but the consistent pattern of corrosion notes indicates ageing components that will require attention.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Mercedes-Benz C, so assessment is limited to this vehicle's individual history.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
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