2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · KV12 YFO

The vehicle presents a mixed mechanical picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 10 September 2025 at 86,063 miles, passed, but the record reveals a clear pattern of recurring defects that were only partially addressed between tests. A coolant leak and an engine oil leak appeared as advisories in both the failed test on 9 September 2025 and the subsequent pass the following day, suggesting these were not repaired but rather deemed non-excessive enough to fail on. The maintenance trend is therefore stable but incomplete, with known fluid seeps and a slightly worn nearside front wheel bearing left to monitor rather than resolve. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a 2012 vehicle. Between the clean pass on 5 August 2023 at 72,247 miles and the pass on 13 September 2024 at 74,951 miles, the car covered roughly 2,700 miles in thirteen months. The jump from 74,951 miles in September 2024 to 86,000 miles by September 2025 represents approximately 11,000 miles in twelve months, a notable step up in annual usage. This recent increase in utilisation places greater stress on the components already flagged as marginal, particularly the braking and cooling systems. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the underside and engine bay. The repeated identification of excessively corroded brake pipes during the September 2025 failure, followed by a pass the next day, demands close scrutiny of the entire brake line run, especially the front-to-rear pipes marked yellow. Surface corrosion covered in grease can mask severe wall thinning. The persistent front coolant leak and engine oil leak require a thorough check of hose joints, the radiator, and rocker cover gaskets for fresh weeping or residue. Under trays fitted front to rear were noted in both September 2025 tests, which can trap moisture and conceal corrosion to the subframe and suspension mounting points. The suspension also warrants attention. Deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers were flagged in 2024 and again in 2025, allowing dirt ingress that accelerates ball joint wear. Combined with the slight play recorded in the nearside front wheel bearing, the front end may exhibit knocking or vagueness over rough surfaces. Tyre condition has been a recurring advisory, with the offside rear worn to the legal limit on its inner edge and the nearside front showing inner sidewall damage. This points to potential alignment issues or worn suspension geometry components that have not been corrected.