2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.3L Petrol · LR70 WHM

The most recent MOT tests on this 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, conducted just five months ago on 15 December 2025, reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite identical mileage readings. Both tests at 36,525 miles resulted in a failure, yet no defects were recorded—an anomaly that suggests either an administrative error in the DVSA system or, more likely, that the vehicle passed an informal inspection prior to testing. The lack of documented faults does not negate the need for thorough scrutiny, particularly given the vehicle’s age and the fact that the last actual passing test occurred in November 2024 at 27,093 miles. This implies a potential issue was overlooked or resolved between tests, but without transparency in the record, buyers must treat this as a red flag for hidden maintenance gaps. The mileage progression of approximately 6,088 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the abrupt jump from 20,079 miles in October 2023 to 27,093 miles in November 2024—covering just 18 months—suggests either a period of infrequent driving or a deliberate reset of the odometer. The latter cannot be confirmed without further evidence, but the consistency in failure dates at identical mileage readings warrants suspicion. If the odometer was tampered with, critical wear items like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers may have far exceeded their expected service life. Without independent verification, the true condition of high-wear components remains uncertain. Given the lack of documented faults in the MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components that commonly fail without obvious external signs: the suspension system, particularly the rear bushings and strut mounts, which often degrade silently; the brake system, including rear binding calipers or warped discs that might have been overlooked in informal checks; and the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, especially around flanges and joints. The absence of advisories in prior tests also raises questions about the integrity of the vehicle’s structural welds and underbody, areas prone to rust in the CLA’s lower trim models. Buyers should prioritise a thorough undercarriage inspection for corrosion, as well as a test drive to assess for uneven tyre wear, clunking noises from the suspension, or excessive brake pedal travel—all potential indicators of underlying issues not captured in the MOT record.