2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 1.8L Petrol · LP09 CXH

A clean and unbroken DVSA roadworthiness record defines this CLC, with the most recent test on 4 March 2026 returning a pass with no advisories or defects noted. Across the five recorded tests spanning March 2023 to March 2026, only one administrative failure appears on 11 March 2025, which was immediately followed by a pass the following day with no defects recorded, suggesting the issue was rectified at the test station rather than indicating any underlying mechanical concern. The absence of any advisories for wear items such as brake components, suspension parts, tyres, or corrosion over a three-year testing window is an encouraging indicator of structural and mechanical integrity for a seventeen-year-old Mercedes-Benz, particularly given that the CLC platform is known to suffer from rust in subframe and wheelarch locations. This consistent pattern of clean passes points to a vehicle that has been kept in good mechanical order and presented for test without developing the typical wear-related defects one might expect at this mileage. With 120,681 miles recorded against a seventeen-year life, the CLC has covered roughly 7,099 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with average UK usage for a vehicle of this age and type. There are no significant gaps between consecutive MOT tests, which confirms continuous use on the road rather than extended periods of standing that could otherwise promote issues such as seized brakes, deteriorated rubber components, or moisture ingress into fluids and bearings. The steady accumulation of mileage between annual tests suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly and exercised properly, reducing the likelihood of cold-start wear, flat-spotted tyres, or rusted brake assemblies. Mechanically, this kind of regular usage pattern tends to preserve drivetrain components, keep seals lubricated, and maintain battery condition, all of which work in favour of long-term reliability. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific flagged component requiring immediate investigation, but it is still prudent to carry out a thorough physical inspection given the mileage and age. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven roads, as the CLC uses a multi-link front arrangement whose lower control arm bushes and ball joints are prone to wear and can deteriorate silently between MOT tests. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for firmness without excessive travel, and the vehicle should stop in a straight line without pulling to either side, which would indicate binding calipers or unevenly worn discs. Steering response should be precise without looseness or vibration, and any knocking when turning at low speed could point to worn drop links or anti-roll bar bushes. Given that this is a Mercedes-Benz CLC, particular attention should be paid to the underbody and wheelarch areas for any bubbling paint or surface corrosion, as the bodyshell corrosion advisories would have been flagged had they been visible to the tester. Inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil misting or weeping from the rocker cover gasket and the oil filter housing, both of which are common seepage points on the older M271 and M272 petrol engines fitted to this model, even though no such defects appear in the MOT record. Check that the automatic transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation or jerking, and verify that the cooling fan operates correctly as electric fan failures are a known issue. Finally, confirm that all electrical systems function as expected, including the central locking, electric windows, and air conditioning, as electrical gremlins are not uncommon on Mercedes products of this era and would not necessarily be picked up during an MOT.