2005 Mercedes B-Class 1.7L Petrol · LC55 VFW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of deferred consumable repairs. While it passed its latest MOT on 22 May 2026 at 89,506 miles, it failed a test just three days prior due to multiple defects. The failure highlighted a split offside front inner CV boot, a misaligned headlamp beam, and several tyres reaching the legal wear limit. This pattern suggests the owner only addresses faults when forced to by an MOT failure, rather than following a preventative maintenance schedule. At 89,506 miles over 21 years, this B-Class shows exceptionally low mileage, averaging approximately 4,260 miles per year. The data shows consistent low-use patterns, with 1,857 miles driven between October 2024 and October 2025, and another 1,846 miles in the year leading up to that. However, the low annual mileage explains the recurring issues with rubber components. The repeated notices for tyre cracking and perishing across tests since 2023 indicate the vehicle likely sits for extended periods. A buyer must physically inspect the vehicle for signs of dry rot and degradation caused by age rather than distance. The tester flagged deteriorated brake hoses on all four corners in October 2025, which is a significant safety concern as rubber hoses become brittle over time despite low use. The split CV boot noted in May 2026 requires a close visual inspection of the drive shaft joint to prevent grease loss and eventual failure. Given the age of the car, a thorough check of the suspension bushes and structural integrity around the arches and lower chassis is essential, as these areas are prone to oxidation on low-mileage vehicles that remain stationary.