2008 Mercedes C 1.8L Petrol · LM57 TFK

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend where recurring mechanical faults remain unaddressed across multiple years. While it passed its latest test in November 2023 at 91,981 miles, the record reveals a persistent failure to rectify underlying structural and suspension issues. The mechanical history is stable in a negative sense, as critical defects like wheel bearing play and brake pipe corrosion appear in consecutive tests, suggesting a reactive approach of minimum-only MOT compliance rather than proactive preventative maintenance. At 18 years old, the mileage of 91,981 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 5,110 miles per year. However, this low usage has not protected against the degradation of rubber and metal components. Between December 2021 and November 2023, the car covered only 6,699 miles, yet the tester found new issues including deteriorated brake hoses and corroded fuel tank areas. This pattern indicates the vehicle may sit for long periods, which often accelerates corrosion and the perished state of rubber suspension components despite the lack of mileage-driven wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear braking system and front suspension. The tester repeatedly flagged corroded nearside rear brake pipes and deteriorated hoses, which pose a risk of fluid loss if untreated. Furthermore, the offside front wheel bearing has been noted with slight play since at least 2021, and previous failures on ball joints and track rod ends suggest the suspension geometry may require comprehensive checking. The front exhaust mounting also shows signs of structural fracture, requiring close attention to ensure the exhaust system is securely fastened.