2005 Mercedes E280 CDI Avantgarde Auto 3.0L Heavy oil · LJZ 4023

The vehicle presents a stable mechanical condition based on the most recent MOT test dated 2025-12-06 at 195,278 miles, which passed with zero defects. This clean bill of health aligns with the preceding test in May 2024 at 195,264 miles, also passing without issue. The maintenance trend appears stable and resolving, following brief failure episodes in late 2022 and early 2024. Both the October 2022 failure at 195,198 miles and the April 2024 failure at 195,264 miles resulted in prompt clean passes shortly thereafter, indicating the previous owner executed the necessary rectifications without allowing lingering defects. The mileage pattern deviates significantly from the vehicle's historical average. While the 9,299 miles per year figure seems typical for a 21-year-old vehicle, the recent record reveals a period of severe dormancy. Between October 2022 at 195,210 miles and December 2025 at 195,278 miles, the odometer advanced by a mere 68 miles over three years. Such prolonged standing can be detrimental to a 2005 diesel, potentially leading to moisture ingress in the engine oil, DPF clogging from incomplete regeneration cycles, and flat-spotting on tyres. A prospective buyer must inspect the undercarriage thoroughly for structural corrosion, as stationary vehicles often suffer from accelerated rust on subframes and suspension mounts. The tester flagged no recent braking or suspension faults, but extended sitting frequently causes binding calipers and perished suspension bushes; conduct a test drive to check for pulling or uneven braking. Verify the DPF system functionality, as a 2005 E280 CDI covering such short distances will struggle to reach the exhaust temperatures required for passive regeneration, risking costly forced regeneration or replacement.