2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 1.8L Petrol · KV55 DFY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test in July 2025 at 91,858 miles shows a pass following a failure just one day prior. While the car passed its latest inspection, the recurring nature of the suspension and lighting faults suggests that components are only replaced once they threaten an MOT. The trend remains stable in terms of the faults being addressed, but the frequency of failures indicates a marginal approach to mechanical upkeep. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 91,858 miles averages out to approximately 4,374 miles per year. This low usage often results in the vehicle sitting for extended periods, which correlates with the rubber degradation noted in the records. Between July 2024 and July 2025, the car covered only 2,912 miles, yet it suffered from multiple failures related to perished tyres and defective exhaust mounts. This confirms that the vehicle's seals and rubber components are failing due to age and oxidation rather than mileage-driven wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, as the record shows a fractured offside front coil spring and a worn lower arm ball joint in 2024. The anti-roll bar linkage also failed for a torn dust cover in 2025, suggesting the front end is beginning to deteriorate rapidly. Attention should also be paid to the tyres for cracking and perishing, as the tester has repeatedly flagged the offside rear and nearside rear inner tyres. Additionally, the buyer should verify the exhaust system for secure mounting and check the headlamp lenses for clarity to ensure the previous cloud-related defects have been fully resolved since the last test.