2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC 1.8L Petrol · LM58 AYK

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a history of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. While it passed its most recent MOT in February 2024 at 159,261 miles, the preceding failures reveal a pattern of neglecting mechanical wear and electrical faults. The trend appears unstable, as the car required multiple repairs across two separate testing attempts to achieve compliance, suggesting that the previous owner only addressed significant defects when forced to do so by a test failure. At 159,261 miles over 18 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 8,800 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a car of this age. However, the gap between the February 2023 test at 149,784 miles and the February 2024 test shows nearly 10,000 miles accumulated in a single year. This period of use, combined with the age of the components, explains the rapid degradation of the steering and suspension hardware noted in the later inspection records. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the front suspension and braking system. The record flags recurring issues with the steering rack inner joints and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, which indicate significant wear in the steering geometry. More critically, the tester identified corrosion on the front brake pipes on both sides in February 2024. The presence of grease or coating on these pipes often suggests an attempt to hide rust, necessitating a thorough check for the structural integrity of the hydraulic lines. The electrical history shows multiple failures regarding headlamps, brake lights, and indicators, pointing to a general neglect of wiring or bulb maintenance. Buyers should also verify the current state of the tyres, as the 2023 record noted an offside front tyre worn to the legal limit. Given the high mileage and the nature of the recorded faults, the vehicle is likely nearing further component failures as rubber bushes and bushings reach the end of their functional life.