2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · LS05 ABS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 18 February 2026, resulted in a pass but recorded an advisory that the nearside rear tyre is worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. Over the past three years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: a failure in March 2024 was recorded for a serious supplementary restraint system (SRS) fault, yet the latest test passed, indicating that the immediate safety issue may have been addressed. However, recurring advisories for thin rear brake pads, tyre wear on multiple corners and a deteriorating anti‑roll bar dust cover suggest that wear items are being monitored rather than fully rectified, and the intermittent air‑bag warning on the multifunction display points to a lingering electronic fault that has not been resolved definitively. At 96 290 miles the car averages roughly 8 000 miles per year, which is typical for a 2014 model. The relatively modest annual mileage implies that the vehicle has likely spent periods of low use or standing, a factor that can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber components, battery capacity and corrosion on suspension joints. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would indicate heavy short‑term abuse, but the low utilisation means that consumables such as brake pads and tyres may have been replaced less frequently than mileage alone would suggest, and time‑based fluid changes may have been overlooked. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the SRS and air‑bag system. Verify that the warning lamp now illuminates correctly and that no fault codes remain stored in the control module; a diagnostic scan should be performed and, if necessary, the air‑bag control unit or related wiring inspected or replaced. Inspect all brake pads for remaining thickness and examine the discs for any scoring or rust, especially on the rear where the pads have been flagged as thin; during a test drive the brakes should feel firm without pulsation or excessive pedal travel. The tyres on the nearside rear, nearside front and off‑side front are all close to the minimum tread depth and show edge wear, so a thorough tread depth check and visual inspection for sidewall cracking is essential, and replacement of at least the most worn tyre is likely required to avoid uneven wear and handling issues. Because the car appears to have spent considerable time stationary, the buyer should also check for age‑related deterioration that is not mileage‑dependent. Examine the anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover for signs of ingress and any resulting play in the front suspension; listen for clunking over bumps which could indicate worn bushes or loosened joints. Assess the condition of the battery, preferably with a load test, and consider replacing it if it is more than five years old. Verify that the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant have been changed within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals – brake fluid, in particular, should be refreshed at least every two years. Finally, inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure that all service stamps in the logbook are up to date, confirming that routine maintenance has been observed throughout the vehicle’s life.