2016 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · LL66 AKF

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C carries a record of intermittent reliability challenges that culminated in a 2020 failed MOT before returning to regular passing status through March 2026. The 2020 failure introduced three distinct concerns—worn rear brake pads, pitted rear brake discs, and critical nearside rear tyre tread below the mandatory 1.6mm minimum—which required attention before the vehicle could be re-certified. Subsequent MOTs through early 2026 have remained clean, though the 2023 and 2024 tests noted front outer tyre wear approaching legal limits. This pattern suggests the vehicle experienced a significant breakdown period around mid-2020 that may not have been fully resolved across all systems, leaving residual concerns that manifest as recurring advisories rather than outright failures. At 62,850 miles on its ten-year lifespan, the odometer reading reflects typical usage patterns for a modern compact executive, averaging approximately 6,285 miles per annum—a rate consistent with moderate daily driving or occasional commuting rather than heavy highway mileage. The test coverage shows a notable gap between the November 2020 failure and the February 2023 pass, spanning nearly two years with no intermediate certification, which could indicate extended periods without proper maintenance or service intervals. While the mileage itself is within expected bounds for the vehicle's age, the absence of continuous MOT testing during this interval raises questions about whether the earlier identified brake and tyre deficiencies were adequately remediated before the next successful examination. Focus your pre-purchase inspection on the front and rear tyres first, as the 2025 and 2026 records specifically cited front outer tyre wear nearing legal limits and nearside rear tyre tread falling below the 1.6mm threshold—the latter representing a previously serious safety concern that should be verified visually and measured during a test drive. Listen for any grinding or squealing when traversing uneven surfaces, particularly on the front outer tyre area, and confirm the rear tyres maintain adequate tread depth throughout all four corners. For the braking system, inspect both brake pads and discs for signs of excessive wear, scoring, or delamination, especially given the documented history of thinning pads and pitted discs that would cause pedal pulse or pulling sensations under load. The brake disc and pad history warrants a tactile check for vibration or pulsation during hard braking, as accumulated material loss can transmit road imperfections directly to the driver through the wheel assembly. When assessing the rear tyres, pay particular attention to the nearside position where the 2020 failure recorded tread below requirements—this corner often wears faster due to alignment or camber issues that compound over time. If the vehicle exhibits any pulling to one side during straight-line motion or noise that changes with speed, these could indicate misalignment or developing suspension bush wear, though such symptoms are not explicitly flagged in the MOT record and require professional diagnosis. Ultimately, while the most recent 2026-03-06 MOT passed with no new defects, the cumulative effect of prior failures suggests the car requires a thorough hands-on inspection before committing to purchase.