2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315 Progressive CDI 1.9L Heavy oil · KS70 HMA

A single major defect – excessive movement of the parking‑brake lever – appears in the MOT record, but the latest test on 7 January 2026 shows a clean pass with no defects noted, indicating that the issue was likely remedied after the 16 November 2023 failure. Apart from that, the history consists of only minor advisories (mud‑covered underbody, a damaged windscreen, a worn front tyre and a smearing wiper blade) and one administrative failure in December 2025 that recorded no specific faults. Overall the trend is one of a generally clean MOT profile punctuated by a solitary, now‑resolved, major safety concern. At 114,164 mi for a six‑year‑old Sprinter the annual average is roughly 19,000 mi, which is high for a vehicle of this class and suggests a commercial‑type duty cycle. Such mileage accelerates wear on consumables – brake pads, discs, tyre tread, suspension bushings and drivetrain components – and can amplify the impact of any latent corrosion that may have been hidden by the mud‑laden underbody noted in 2023. The MOT schedule shows no prolonged gaps, but the mileage jump between the 2023 and 2024 tests implies a period of intensive use that should be reflected in the condition of wear items. When you test drive the vehicle, pay particular attention to the parking‑brake operation: the lever should engage firmly with a short, definite travel and release cleanly without binding or excessive slack. Any hesitation, uneven pull or a noticeable “click” in the rear brakes may indicate that the adjustment was not fully corrected or that rear brake shoes/discs are nearing the end of their service life. Examine the front tyre for tread depth and sidewall integrity; the 2023 advisory flagged it as close to the legal limit, so confirm that the remaining tread is uniform and that there is no cupping or edge wear that could signal mis‑alignment or suspension issues. Finally, a thorough under‑body inspection is advisable because the recorded mud coverage could have concealed early rust on chassis rails, suspension mounting points or exhaust hangers – areas that are critical for structural integrity on a high‑mileage van. Verify that the windscreen is free of cracks or chips that could compromise visibility, and confirm that the wiper blades now clear the glass without smearing. A focused check of the front suspension (control arm bushings, ball joints) and rear brake components, coupled with a tyre survey, will give a realistic picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness before committing to purchase.