2004 Mercedes S-Class 3.2L Diesel · L2 WEA

The vehicle's overall roadworthiness is currently failing, and the maintenance trend appears to be worsening rather than stable or improving. The most recent MOT test on 16 December 2021 at 164,715 miles was a failure, and the same date was not passed again until 15 December 2023 at 156,153 miles. This gap of 8,562 miles between the two tests indicates that the vehicle has accumulated significant wear and tear since the 2021 inspection, suggesting that basic upkeep has been skipped or neglected during the intervening years. The 2020 test on 8 December 2020 was passed at 156,153 miles, which is a significant drop from the 2021 failure, implying that the vehicle was serviced and inspected around that time. The mileage profile reveals a pattern of rapid accumulation and inconsistent maintenance. The vehicle is approximately 22 years old with roughly 7,500 miles per year, which is typical for its age but does not guarantee a long service life. The most notable gap is the 13-month delay between the 2021 and 2023 tests, during which the vehicle accumulated over 8,000 miles. This delay suggests that the owner may have driven the car less frequently or engaged in infrequent servicing, leading to accelerated wear on components such as the suspension, brakes, and drivetrain. The 2020 test was a passing inspection at 156,153 miles, but the 2021 inspection at 164,715 miles was a failure, indicating that the vehicle was not maintained up to the standards required for a safe operating condition during the 2021-2023 period. In conclusion, the buyer must inspect the vehicle for structural integrity and mechanical components that have deteriorated during the 2021-2023 period. The most critical concerns include the suspension, which may have experienced excessive bushing or coil spring wear, and the brakes, which are prone to binding and corrosion. Given the history of two failures and the significant mileage gap, the vehicle is not roadworthy and requires immediate professional assessment to determine if it is safe to drive or if urgent repairs are necessary.