2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC 2.0L Petrol · LP16 ABX

This Mercedes-Benz SLC has maintained an exemplary MOT record over the past three years, with the most recent test on 20 January 2026 at 45,688 miles showing no defects—just the third consecutive pass without advisories or failures. The trend is stable, with consistent compliance across all recent inspections, including the 2025 February and 2024 September tests, both of which also recorded clean results. The absence of recurring advisories or defects suggests the vehicle has either been stored with minimal use or meticulously maintained by owners who addressed wear proactively. Such a clean history is uncommon for a car of this age and mileage, particularly given the SLC’s reputation for higher maintenance demands. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for a decade-old vehicle, averaging just 4,569 miles per year —well below the UK’s typical annual mileage for private cars. The gap between the 2022 December test (30,461 miles) and the 2023 November test (37,793 miles) spans nearly a year with only 7,332 miles added, reinforcing the pattern of light or intermittent use. This could indicate long periods of inactivity, potentially leading to issues like seized components, degraded fluids, or rubber degradation from prolonged exposure. The lack of mileage also means consumables like tyres, brake pads, and suspension bushes may have been replaced less frequently than on a higher-mileage vehicle, though the MOT history shows no evidence of deferred maintenance. Given the sparse but flawless MOT record, a buyer should still verify critical areas in person. While the tester found no issues, the low mileage raises the possibility of neglected maintenance between tests—particularly fluids (brake, coolant, differential), battery health, and rubber components (bushings, hoses, wiper blades). The suspension, though not flagged, should be checked for stiffness or uneven wear, as underused components can stiffen over time. Brakes, despite no recorded faults, may have seen reduced friction material replacement due to the car’s limited use, so pad thickness and disc condition warrant inspection. Structural corrosion is less likely on a convertible with a well-maintained body, but hidden areas like wheel arches and underseal should be scrutinised for early signs of rust. The absence of advisories or defects in the MOT history is a strong indicator of careful ownership, but the buyer must treat the low mileage as a double-edged sword—it suggests either exceptional upkeep or deferred maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist is advisable to confirm no hidden issues have developed during periods of inactivity. The car’s roadworthiness appears sound on paper, but real-world condition hinges on what’s been done between tests.