2004 Mercedes-Benz E 2.6L Petrol · KW04 HVT

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a clean pass on January 20 2026 at 205,518 miles. The maintenance trend shows signs of improvement after a period of mechanical instability in early 2025. While the car failed its previous test due to significant braking and suspension issues, the subsequent re-test indicates that these specific defects were addressed. This suggests the owner is willing to invest in necessary repairs to bring the vehicle back to a legal operating standard. At 22 years old, the mileage of 205,518 miles represents an average annual usage of approximately 9,300 miles. This aligns with typical UK figures for an older vehicle. The data shows consistent annual testing intervals, with roughly 4,000 miles driven between the January 2025 and 2026 tests. This regular movement is generally positive for older Mercedes as it prevents seals from drying out and seizing, though the high cumulative mileage naturally places significant strain on age-sensitive rubber components and the drivetrain. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the steering and suspension assembly given the recurring faults recorded. The 2023 test flagged play in the steering rack inner joints and a track rod end, while the 2025 failure identified a severely deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the offside front. These components should be checked for further movement or perished rubber to ensure the repairs held. Additionally, the 2024 advisory regarding a non-excessive oil leak warrants a close look under the chassis to ensure the leak remains stable and does not become a major failure. The braking system also requires close scrutiny following the January 2025 failure for excessively fluctuating rear brakes and poor parking brake efficiency. Although the vehicle passed the most recent test, the buyer should verify that the brake pedal does not puls and that the handbrake holds the car firmly. Given the age of the vehicle and the noted corrosion on the exhaust mounting in 2025, a visual inspection of the exhaust system and structural mounting points is necessary to rule out advanced rust that may not yet have triggered a failure.