2010 Mercedes SLK 3.5L Petrol · L4 MSG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a PASS on 2026-04-07 at 113,397 miles, but the maintenance trend over the past two years shows a concerning pattern of recurring and escalating mechanical issues. The most recent test identified corrosion on both front brake pipes, now covered in grease or other material—this was also flagged in the 2025 tests and remains unresolved despite being a safety-critical defect. Additionally, nearside front steering rack inner joint play persists, indicating ongoing wear in a high-stress component. While no new major defects were recorded in the latest MOT, the failure to address prior structural and braking concerns suggests a lack of consistent preventative maintenance. Mileage progression shows steady usage averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical use for a 16-year-old vehicle. There are no significant gaps in the record; each annual test occurs within a narrow window of one month from the previous year’s date, suggesting regular servicing. However, the 2024-04-15 failure occurred just two days before the subsequent PASS on 2024-04-17, indicating that repairs were made swiftly after a serious fault list—including multiple fractured coil springs, severely worn rear tyres, and ineffective registration plate lamps. This rapid turnaround raises questions about the thoroughness of the repair work, particularly given the recurrence of suspension and braking faults. A prospective buyer must conduct a detailed inspection of the front suspension system, especially the lower ball joints and coil springs, as these have failed repeatedly across multiple tests. The persistent corrosion on front brake pipes demands immediate attention, as it compromises brake integrity and may lead to fluid leaks or brake failure. The steering rack joint play should be verified under load to assess its impact on handling. Tyre condition remains a critical concern: the rear tyres have been repeatedly found at or near legal limits, with ply exposure noted twice. Given the age and mileage, full replacement of all four tyres is strongly advised. Structural rust or damage should also be checked around the front suspension mounting points and brake pipe routing, where corrosion has been documented.