2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 1.8L Petrol · LR12 XDY

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK presents a generally stable maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 28 July 2025 at 68,458 miles resulting in a pass. The sole advisory noted was that both rear brake discs were worn, though not excessively, under item 1.1.14 (a) (i). This is a minor wear item rather than a structural or mechanical failure, and the car has passed its last four tests consecutively after rectifying a suspension defect in 2023. The trajectory from 2023 onward is one of improvement and consistent compliance. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. The vehicle has covered roughly 4,890 miles per year over its fourteen-year life, which is substantially below the UK average. Between the July 2022 test at 61,654 miles and the July 2024 test at 67,203 miles, the car added 5,549 miles in two years, a modest but steady rate. The 2023 double test on consecutive days at 65,491 miles indicates the owner addressed a failed nearside front suspension arm ball joint promptly, which is a positive indicator of responsive maintenance rather than neglect. The 2023 failure for an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint at 65,491 miles is the most significant mechanical flag in the record. While repaired and followed by a clean pass the next day, buyers should inspect the entire front suspension in person. Check for play in track rod ends, wishbone bushes, and the offside ball joint for symmetrical wear. The rear brake disc advisory from July 2025 at 68,458 miles suggests the discs are approaching replacement thickness. A physical inspection should verify whether the discs and pads have been renewed since the test or whether the car has been sitting, as low-mileage vehicles can develop surface corrosion on braking components during extended periods of inactivity. The 2022 advisory for both rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge at 61,654 miles points to a period where basic consumable upkeep may have lapsed. Edge wear on rear tyres typically indicates misaligned tracking or worn rear suspension geometry, so a buyer should check the condition of the current tyre set and consider a four-wheel alignment check. Despite these historical advisories, the record overall reflects a vehicle that has been maintained to a passable standard, with no recurring failures or structural corrosion noted. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the front suspension, rear braking components, and tyre condition to confirm the car remains in sound mechanical order.