2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 2.1L Diesel · LB59 CPU

This CLC 220 presents an unusually clean DVSA record for a 17-year-old Mercedes, with the most recent test on 2 January 2026 returning a pass and no advisories or defects recorded, the same outcome as the three preceding annual tests in January 2023, January 2024, and January 2025. The lone anomaly is a failed test logged on the exact same date as the January 2026 pass, which strongly suggests a retest was conducted immediately after a minor repair or rectification rather than representing a serious mechanical defect. Across a full five-year testing window, there is no recorded history of suspension component wear, brake pipe corrosion, exhaust failure, lighting defects, or the structural advisories that typically accumulate on a Mercedes of this vintage, particularly given its age and the environmental exposure expected in the UK. The overall trajectory is therefore one of stable roadworthiness rather than deterioration, though the absence of any advisories over such a long period should be treated with appropriate caution, as it may indicate either meticulous pre-test preparation or simply that borderline components have not yet reached the threshold for advisory recording. The recorded mileage of 159,267 against a 2009 manufacture date equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 9,369 miles, which sits squarely within the expected bracket for a car of this age and indicates regular rather than sporadic use. There are no unusual gaps in the testing history that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for prolonged periods, and the consistent year-on-year testing pattern supports a narrative of continuous road use. Mechanically, this mileage profile means the engine, automatic transmission, and drivetrain have accumulated significant working hours but at a moderate pace, reducing the likelihood of the thermal stress and oil degradation seen in high-mileage short-journey vehicles. However, the C-Class derived platform in CLC form does have known areas of vulnerability at this mileage band, particularly in the suspension subframe, rear trailing arms, and the diesel injection system if this is the CLC 220 CDI variant, so the mileage alone should not be interpreted as reassurance without physical inspection. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means the inspection must focus on the components most likely to be approaching failure at this age and mileage rather than reacting to specific test entries. The front suspension should be examined for play in the lower control arm bushes, wishbone ball joints, and anti-roll bar drop links, as these are common wear items on the W204-derived CLC platform and often begin to show knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces before any test failure. The rear suspension is particularly important, as the multi-link rear axle on these cars is prone to trailing arm bushing failure, and a test drive over broken tarmac or speed humps should be conducted with the radio off to listen for any clonks or rear-end instability. Brake discs and pads are likely to be on their second or third set by this mileage, so a thorough check of disc lipping, pad material thickness, and caliper slide pin operation is essential, with particular attention paid to any pulling under braking or a soft pedal that could indicate a binding caliper. Under the bonnet, any CLC 220 CDI should be inspected for injector weep, EGR valve carbon build-up, and turbo actuator movement, while the OM646 engine fitted to earlier examples is known for balance shaft wear and timing chain stretch if mileage is high. The automatic gearbox, if fitted, should be checked for smooth shifts through all ranges with the engine at operating temperature, and any hesitation or harsh engagement noted. The bodywork and undercarriage warrant close attention given the car's age, with particular focus on the rear wheel arches, sills, and subframe mounting points for corrosion, as Mercedes vehicles of this era are susceptible to structural rust in these areas even when the MOT record remains clean. Finally, verify that all electronic systems function correctly, including the COMAND infotainment unit, climate control, and central locking, as electrical faults are common on older Mercedes and can prove costly to rectify, making a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist strongly advisable despite the encouraging MOT history.