2004 Mercedes SLK 1.8L Petrol · LO04 ELV

The most recent MOT on 2026-01-07 recorded 132,643 miles and resulted in a pass, with the primary issue being rear sub-frame corrosion that was not yet serious. This aligns with earlier observations of corrosion in the same area, suggesting a persistent but non-critical issue. However, the vehicle’s history reveals recurring mechanical and structural concerns that warrant close scrutiny. A pattern of corrosion affecting the rear subframe appears consistently across multiple MOTs, including 2025-02-27, 2023-05-13, and 2023-05-09. While these were not classified as major defects, repeated exposure to corrosion could indicate environmental factors or inadequate maintenance, potentially leading to long-term structural weakening. Brake disc wear and corrosion on brake pipes also recur, with both front and rear components showing signs of pitting, scoring, or deterioration. These issues, though not immediately critical, suggest ongoing wear on braking systems. The trend of defects shows some improvement in recent MOTs, as the 2026-01-07 pass included fewer critical failures compared to the 2025-02-25 failure, which listed multiple issues including parking brake inefficiency, electronic stability control faults, and corroded brake pipes. However, the 2023-05-09 failure highlighted suspension arm wear and steering rack play, indicating potential issues with handling and safety. While the 2026 MOT was clean, the history suggests a mix of recurring minor faults and occasional more severe issues, with no clear indication of worsening or improvement.