Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML 3.7L Petrol · L19 RAD

L19 RAD

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML (3.7L, petrol). First registered 30/10/2003. Recorded mileage 103,176 miles. MOT valid until 11/11/2026. Taxed until 01/06/2027.

Make & Model
MERCEDES-BENZ ML
Year / Origin
2003 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
MOT Status
Valid until 11/11/2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01/06/2027)
Recorded Mileage
103,176 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 3.7L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 11/11/2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/06/2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2003
Engine
3724cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 28 October 2025 at 103,176 miles. The maintenance trend remains stable but stagnant, as the same underlying issues have persisted across consecutive annual tests. While the vehicle successfully passed its most recent inspection, the recurring presence of an oil leak and rear anti-roll bar corrosion indicates that these specific areas have received no corrective intervention despite being flagged by examiners for three consecutive years. The recorded mileage of 103,176 over a 23-year period averages approximately 4,486 miles per year, which is significantly lower than the typical usage for a vehicle of this class. The testing intervals are consistent, with annual inspections occurring between October and November from 2023 through 2025. This steady, low-mileage usage pattern suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to high-intensity daily operation, though the lack of mileage accumulation between tests may contribute to the observed corrosion issues on the suspension components. Prospective buyers should prioritise a physical inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage to assess the severity of the noted oil leak, as the MOT record only confirms it is not currently deemed excessive. The rear anti-roll bar requires a thorough check for structural integrity, as the advisory has been present since 2023. Given the history of headlamp aim failures and minor electrical defects, verify that all lighting systems are correctly aligned and fully operational. The overall risk level is high due to the age of the vehicle and the persistence of unaddressed advisories, resulting in a buying score of 35.

L19 RAD Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 28/10/2025
  • 103,176 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for L19RAD

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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L19 RAD Mileage History

  1. 30/10/202389,698 mi
  2. 06/11/202497,874 mi+8,176 mi
  3. 06/11/202497,874 mi
  4. 28/10/2025103,176 mi+5,302 mi
  5. 28/10/2025103,176 mi

Average of roughly 6,753 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

L19 RAD MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 19 Sept 2026, 18:05
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml (L19 RAD) between October 2023 and October 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 28 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
68/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£2,200-£2,800
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 103,176 miles is...

Our Verdict

This 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML features a 3.7-litre petrol engine and a clean recent MOT history with pass results in 2023, 2024, and 2025. While earlier tests in 2024 and 2025 recorded initial fails that were subsequently rectified on the same day, the vehicle shows consecutive passes at its most recent mileage of 103,176 miles.

When inspecting this 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML, verify the paperwork surrounding the same-day fail and pass results recorded in October 2025 and November 2024 to understand what rectifications were required. Check the service history for evidence of regular maintenance on the 3724.0cc petrol engine and automatic transmission. Ensure all electrical systems, four-wheel-drive components, and suspension settings operate correctly during a thorough test drive.

Running a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML with a 3.7-litre petrol engine involves significant fuel consumption, as large displacement engines of this era are heavy on fuel. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will fall into the higher tax bands applicable to pre-2006 large-engine vehicles. Insurance costs will depend on the driver's profile, and maintenance budgets should account for the potential cost of replacement parts for an older luxury SUV.

Pay close attention to the suspension, braking system, and steering components, as these are common areas of wear on older Mercedes-Benz ML models. Check the bodywork and chassis for signs of corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and subframes. Review the history for any recurring advisory items and inspect the engine bay for fluid leaks from the 3.7-litre power plant.

This Blue 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML has covered 103,176 miles, averaging around 4,500 miles per year since first registration in October 2003. Its MOT history shows recent passes in October 2025, November 2024, and October 2033, though the 2024 and 2025 tests initially registered a failure before passing on the same date. The recorded mileage is below average for a 23-year-old large luxury SUV.

No aggregate reliability data is available for this generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns