2018 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Petrol · KT68 NHJ

The most recent DVSA examination conducted on 31 August 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents the most positive outcome available and suggests the vehicle was in a fully roadworthy condition at that point. The maintenance trend over the recorded MOT history is broadly stable and improving, with passes at every test and no failures or dangerous defects logged across the period under review. The two prior examinations in February 2025 and January 2024 were also passed without advisories, and although the 2023 and earlier 2026 tests noted tyre-related advisories, none of these have escalated into repeat failure categories. Overall, the test history indicates a car that has been kept in serviceable condition throughout its life, with only minor advisory items raised and no structural, braking, or exhaust concerns flagged by the examining tester. With 83,801 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this C-Class is averaging around 10,475 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical range for a privately used executive saloon of this age. There are no obvious large gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods of standing, nor does the accumulated mileage indicate exceptionally high use that might bring forward major wear items such as timing chain service, automatic transmission fluid change, or turbocharger intervention. The annual mileage is therefore consistent with a mix of commuting and longer journeys, and mechanically this usage pattern tends to be kinder to components such as the diesel particulate filter, dual mass flywheel, and catalytic converter than predominantly short-trip urban running. That said, at this cumulative distance the vehicle is approaching the stage where several major service items, including brake fluid, coolant, and potentially automatic transmission fluid, will be due on a calendar rather than purely mileage basis. The recurring theme across the MOT history relates to tyres, which is a common pattern for rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz saloons of this generation. Advisories have been raised for shoulder wear on both rear and front tyres and for outer sidewall perishing and cracking, the latter being particularly relevant to a vehicle now eight years old. When inspecting this car, pay close attention to the sidewalls of all four tyres for any hairline cracks, ozone cracking, or bulges, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth. On a test drive, listen for any increased road noise or tramlining effect that could suggest uneven wear, and check that the steering returns to centre smoothly without pulling, as worn rear suspension bushes or thrust arms can accelerate outer shoulder wear on the rear tyres. Confirm that the tyres fitted are of matching brand, size, and speed rating on each axle, and budget for a full set if any are approaching 3mm or show age-related deterioration. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age-related items warrant physical inspection prior to purchase. Request evidence of recent servicing, particularly the brake fluid and coolant change intervals, as Mercedes-Benz specifies brake fluid renewal every two years due to its hygroscopic nature, and coolant typically every four to five years regardless of mileage. Inspect the underbonnet condition for any signs of fluid leaks from the power steering reservoir, coolant expansion tank, or oil filter housing, all common areas on this generation of C-Class. Check the 12V battery state of health, as the auxiliary and main batteries degrade with calendar age and can cause a range of electrical gremlins if weak. On the test drive, listen for any clonks from the front suspension over speed humps, which may indicate worn lower control arm bushes, and verify that the automatic transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly on start-up and that the AdBlue system is functioning correctly, as a depleted or faulty AdBlue system will prevent the engine from starting once levels become critical.