2003 Mercedes SLK 2.3L Petrol · LS03 FXF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a transition from pristine condition to developing mechanical degradation. While the most recent test in June 2025 at 84,300 miles passed with only an advisory for a worn nearside rear tyre, the previous year in 2024 revealed several significant issues. The trend suggests that while the car was clean between 2022 and 2023, components are now reaching to fail due to age rather than mileage. At 23 years old, the 84,300 recorded miles represent an exceptionally low average of approximately 3,665 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the drying of rubber components and the accumulation of corrosion due to stationary periods. The gap of only 1,484 miles between June 2023 and May 2024, followed by a 6,161-mile stretch between 2024 and 2025, confirms the vehicle sits for long periods, which explains the presence of general corrosion and a weeping steering damper. A buyer must focus on the structural integrity of the underbody, as the general corrosion noted in the 2024 test is a persistent risk for a Mercedes of this era. The recurring mention of the exhaust system and the corroded earth strap indicates that the environment is affecting the metalwork. Furthermore, the failure of the central prop shaft bearing in 2024 necessitates a thorough inspection of the entire drivetrain to ensure no further vibrations or play remain after repair. The uneven wear on the nearside rear tyre recorded in 2025 suggests an alignment issue or a worn suspension bush that should be checked. Given the weeping steering damper reported in the previous test, the buyer should verify if this part was replaced and if the steering geometry remains tight. The low mileage protects the engine and gearbox, but the MOT record shows that age-related rubber and metal fatigue are the primary concerns for this specific vehicle.