2014 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · LO64 TYH

The DVSA history on this Mercedes presents an unusual mechanical picture that warrants careful scrutiny before purchase. Across the recorded tests the vehicle has alternated between PASS and FAIL outcomes on the same dates, with the most recent test on 1 October 2025 showing both a PASS and a FAIL recorded the same day, and a matching PASS/FAIL pair on 28 March 2023. No advisory or defect information has been logged against the failures in the supplied data, which could indicate administrative retests following minor items that were rectified on the same visit, or alternatively a record-keeping inconsistency where defects were not captured. Either way, the absence of any recorded advisories across twelve years of testing on a vehicle now at 133,169 miles is itself notable, because heavily used examples of this age typically accumulate at least some suspension, brake, or corrosion advisories that would normally appear in the MOT record. This combination of multiple test cycles without a single recorded advisory deserves verification with a pre-purchase inspection. Mileage accumulation sits at approximately 11,097 miles per year over the vehicle's twelve-year life, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and demographic rather than unusually low or high. There are no extended lay-up gaps between consecutive tests, and the pattern of annual or biennial MOT entries suggests the vehicle has remained in regular active use throughout its life, which generally benefits mechanical components by keeping seals, brakes, and transmission fluids working rather than allowing them to deteriorate through standing. At 133,169 miles on a 2014 C-class, the engine, automatic gearbox, and major ancillaries have all reached a stage where OEM service intervals for items such as spark plugs, transmission fluid, and possibly timing chain components (depending on the specific variant) become highly relevant to longevity, even though none of these would surface on an MOT. For a prospective buyer, the clean advisory record means the MOT data alone cannot be relied upon to flag developing concerns, so a physical inspection is essential. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the suspension: listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front lower wishbones, control arms, and anti-roll bar drop links, which are common wear points on this model at this mileage and would typically be the first components to generate an advisory if the car had been tested rigorously. Feel for any vagueness through the steering or uneven tyre wear on the front pair, which can indicate worn tie rods or top mounts. Over speed bumps and rough surfaces, listen for rear subframe or trailing arm bush degradation, and check that the vehicle does not wallow or rock excessively after cornering, which can hint at ageing coil springs or dampers. The braking system on a 133,000-mile C-class deserves direct physical checks despite the clean MOT record, as worn discs and pads would normally have produced at least an advisory note. On test, the pedal should feel firm without excessive travel or sponginess, and there should be no pulling to either side under steady braking, which could indicate a binding caliper or a flexible brake hose beginning to balloon under pressure. Inspect the inner and outer faces of all four wheels for lipping on the disc edges and uneven pad wear, and check the brake pipes and flexi hoses for any surface corrosion or cracking, particularly along the underbody runs and around the rear axle. Finally, examine the underside for any oil misting from the engine or gearbox sumps, evidence of weeping from the power steering rack, and the condition of the exhaust downpipes and mounting rubbers, as these are all areas where this generation of Mercedes can show age-related wear that the MOT record has not captured.