2003 Mercedes ML 2.7L Diesel · LL03 MWZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend toward reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 161,275 miles, this followed a failure just nine days prior. That failure revealed a fractured offside rear coil spring and a failed nearside rear indicator, alongside persistent minor issues. The presence of these faults suggests the owner only addresses mechanical defects when forced by the MOT testing process rather than performing routine preventative inspections. The mileage pattern is consistent with the vehicle's 23-year age, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. There is a notable gap in records between some periods, but the recorded data remains relatively stable. The vehicle covered roughly 3,000 miles between October 2021 and November 2022, followed by a jump of over 7,000 miles in the period leading up to the 2025 tests. This steady accumulation suggests the car is used regularly, which often leads to the gradual degradation of rubber components and seals despite the relatively low annual mileage. A buyer must scrutinise the recurring oil leak, which has appeared on every MOT record since 2022. While the tester described it as not excessive, its persistence over three years indicates a slow gasket or seal failure that may eventually lead to a more significant mechanical issue. The fractured coil spring found in 2025 necessitates a thorough physical inspection of the entire suspension geometry, as failure in one spring often places undue stress on the bushes and shock absorbers. Additionally, the uneven wear noted on the nearside front tyre in 2025 suggests a potential alignment issue that should be verified to prevent premature tyre replacement costs.