2009 Mercedes CLK 1.8L Petrol · LL09 XOY

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 13 May 2026, but this followed a failure just two days prior due to a dangerous defect in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. When reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend is concerning and suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle upkeep. There is a persistent pattern of recurring advisories that have been left unaddressed for several years, specifically regarding brake pipe corrosion and steering rack play, indicating that the previous owner has tended to ignore warnings until they became critical failures. With 73,654 recorded miles over 17 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,333 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the national average for a car of this vintage. While low mileage typically suggests less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often indicates periods of prolonged standing or a history of very short journeys. In this instance, the low usage has not prevented significant corrosion of the brake pipes, which suggests the vehicle may have been stored in a damp environment or subjected to road salt without adequate cleaning and protection. The most critical area for inspection is the braking system. Brake pipe corrosion has been noted as an advisory since February 2022, and the record indicates these pipes are covered in grease or other material, which is often a temporary measure to mask corrosion or slow its progress rather than a permanent repair. A prospective buyer should insist on a professional inspection of the full length of the brake lines to ensure structural integrity and avoid the risk of hydraulic failure. Additionally, while the ball joint was recently replaced, the steering rack inner joints have shown persistent play for several years. During a test drive, listen for clunks when turning the wheel at low speeds and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering response. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, several other time-based degradation factors must be evaluated. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for perishing or hairline cracking, as tyres frequently age out and lose grip before the tread is worn. Check the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or binding calipers, which are common symptoms in vehicles that stand for long periods. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other critical fluids have been changed based on calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, as aged oil can lead to internal sludge and seal degradation regardless of the low odometer reading.