2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.3L Petrol · LL03 ACY
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (2.3L, petrol). First registered 25 Jun 2003. Recorded mileage 161,061 miles. MOT valid until 03 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 161,061 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LL03 ACY Key Findings
- 29 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/12/2025
- 161,061 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (37 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LL03 ACY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
29 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk (LL03 ACY) between July 2006 and December 2025.
The record contains 21 passes and 8 failures.
The most recent test on 04 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 8 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (37 issues), Tyres (31 issues), Lighting (26 issues), Suspension (15 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 100 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
LL03 ACY Mileage History
- 28/07/200630,556 mi
- 04/04/200737,602 mi+7,046 mi
- 17/03/200841,900 mi+4,298 mi
- 28/08/200843,878 mi+1,978 mi
- 19/08/200950,491 mi+6,613 mi
- 24/08/201056,841 mi+6,350 mi
- 24/08/201163,205 mi+6,364 mi
- 25/08/201163,205 mi
- 08/08/201267,017 mi+3,812 mi
- 29/07/201370,095 mi+3,078 mi
- 05/08/201370,101 mi+6 mi
- 13/08/201474,170 mi+4,069 mi
- 24/02/201674,297 mi+127 mi
- 10/02/201776,391 mi+2,094 mi
- 30/11/201777,456 mi+1,065 mi
- 03/12/201885,783 mi+8,327 mi
- 03/12/201885,761 mi-22 mi
- 20/11/201996,285 mi+10,524 mi
- 24/11/2020107,457 mi+11,172 mi
- 09/11/2021116,555 mi+9,098 mi
- 12/11/2021116,591 mi+36 mi
- 29/11/2022129,963 mi+13,372 mi
- 29/11/2022129,964 mi+1 mi
- 29/11/2023142,385 mi+12,421 mi
- 30/11/2023142,394 mi+9 mi
- 27/11/2024155,194 mi+12,800 mi
- 02/12/2024155,491 mi+297 mi
- 02/12/2025161,061 mi+5,570 mi
- 04/12/2025161,061 mi
Average of roughly 6,743 miles per year across 29 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution. The combin
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and bodywork. The MOT history specifically mentions corrosion on the front wings and the rear subframe; you should verify the extent of this rust, as it can be expensive to remediate on a vehicle of this age. Ensure the folding roof mechanism operates smoothly, as this is a known complex point for the SLK, though not explicitly mentioned in the MOT records.
Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for suspension work. The December 2025 record still lists a corroded nearside front coil spring and play in the offside front wheel bearing as advisories. Check the service history for evidence of oil changes and timing chain maintenance, as the 2.3L engine will require documented care at this mileage.
The 2295cc petrol engine is relatively large for a small roadster, meaning fuel economy will be modest, particularly in urban environments. Being a 2003 model, it will fall into a higher road tax bracket compared to modern equivalents, and insurance costs will reflect its performance category.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this age. The MOT history shows a trend of needing new tyres, bulbs, and suspension components. Expect annual running costs to be elevated due to the age of the vehicle and the likelihood of further wear-and-tear repairs.
Focus heavily on the suspension and underside. The MOT history shows fractured coil springs in 2024 and a corroded spring and wheel bearing play in 2025; these should be physically inspected for current condition. Check the rear subframe and front wings for the corrosion noted in the 2023 and 2025 tests.
Additionally, check all electrical systems. The vehicle has failed multiple times on direction indicators and registration plate lamps, which may indicate wider electrical gremlins or a lack of preventative maintenance. Finally, inspect the tyres for uneven wear, as 'worn on edge' advisories in 2024 suggest potential alignment or suspension geometry issues.
This 2003 black Mercedes SLK has covered 161,061 miles. The MOT history reveals recurring issues with suspension components, including fractured and corroded coil springs, as well as wheel bearing play. Most concerning are the recorded corrosion points on the front wings and the rear subframe mounting areas.
While aggregate data is unavailable, this specific vehicle shows a vulnerability to suspension wear and body corrosion typical of older roadsters in the UK climate.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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