2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 1.8L Petrol · LL09 ARO

A consistent pattern of advisory-free MOT passes across the most recent two tests (2025-09-04 and 2026-05-14) presents a tidy roadworthiness picture, but the broader record of this 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK shows a recurring thread of brake and tyre wear items flagged at successive annual examinations. From a 2019 clean pass through to 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, advisory notices have appeared at every test, with front and rear brake discs both cited as pitted or scored in 2023, and rear brake pads noted as wearing thin in 2021. The 2024 test added nearside washer performance and outer sidewall cracking to a front tyre, while a nearside rear tyre was similarly flagged in 2023. No structural corrosion, suspension component failures, exhaust integrity issues, or lighting defects have ever been recorded, and the car has never failed an MOT across the seven tests shown, which is a positive baseline but one that sits alongside ongoing cosmetic and consumable wear. The mileage profile is unusually low for a vehicle of this vintage. With 53,710 miles recorded against an age of approximately 17 years, the annual accumulation is around 3,159 miles, which is well below typical usage for a car of this class. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular if light use rather than laid up for extended periods, although the relatively short annual intervals (tests in September of most years, plus an additional pass in May 2026) confirm it has been kept on the road continuously. Low annual mileage such as this tends to preserve drivetrain and major mechanical components but can accelerate ageing of rubber items, brake discs through infrequent use and surface corrosion, and underbody components through limited wet-road exposure that washes away road salts. Given the advisory history, a prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the braking system. The 2023 advisory noted both front and rear discs as pitted and scored, so feel for any judder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm application, and listen for grinding or scraping noises that would suggest the discs have now worn beyond their service limit or that the pads have dropped onto heavily corroded disc surfaces. The 2021 advisory on rear pads wearing thin means the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for free movement, as seized rear calipers are a common failure point on Mercedes-Benz of this era. On the test drive, a spongy pedal, a pull to one side under braking, or a handbrake that requires excessive travel would warrant closer examination. The tyre advisories in 2022, 2023, and 2024 relating to sidewall cracking and perishing are particularly relevant for a low-mileage car, as sidewalls deteriorate through UV exposure and age regardless of tread depth. Inspect all four tyres for hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber, check the production date stamps, and budget for a full set if any are over six years old, as aged sidewalls can fail suddenly under load. The 2024 washer jet advisory should prompt a functional check of the headlight washers and rear washer if fitted, and a general inspection of wiper blade condition. Beyond the recorded items, this model is known for age-related wear on front suspension control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and the coil spring perches, so listen for clonks or knocks over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear which would point to worn suspension geometry. A thorough underbody inspection for any developing corrosion, particularly around the subframes and brake pipe unions, would be prudent given the vehicle's age.