2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 1.6L Petrol · LS18 OFN

The latest MOT test on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA, conducted on 2026-06-17, resulted in a passing outcome with no recorded defects, marking a positive deviation from the vehicle’s previous history. However, the preceding MOT on the same date in June 2025 revealed a pattern of recurring issues, particularly around the front tyres, which failed the minimum tread depth requirement at both nearside and offside positions. Additionally, advisories were noted for worn and pitted brake discs on both the front and rear axles, alongside nearside rear tyre perishing. While the 2023 MOT failure highlighted a major issue with the near-side front outer drive shaft constant velocity (CV) boot, this was subsequently addressed, as evidenced by the subsequent clean passes. The overall maintenance trend appears to be improving post-2023, with no further major defects recorded since then, though the tyre and brake advisories suggest ongoing wear that requires attention. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 70,309 miles at the time of this assessment represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 8,789 miles per year, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for an eight-year-old car. This mileage distribution does not indicate excessive wear from high annual mileage, though it does reflect a period of moderate to moderate-heavy usage over the past eight years. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular service, which can contribute to wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components. However, the presence of tyre perishing and brake disc wear advisories may indicate either prolonged periods of low or no use, leading to accelerated deterioration from standing, or consistent driving conditions that have accelerated wear beyond normal expectations. Given the recurring tyre and brake advisories from the 2025 MOT, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front and rear tyres for further degradation, including checking for uneven wear patterns that could signal alignment or suspension issues. On a test drive, listen for signs of uneven braking performance, such as pulsations or vibrations through the pedal or steering wheel, which may indicate warped or pitted brake discs. Inspect the front tyres closely for any signs of cracking or dry rot, especially around the shoulder areas, and ensure the tread depth is uniformly maintained across all four tyres. The CV boot failure from 2023 is critical to address; visually inspect the boot for any signs of further deterioration or leaks, and check for unusual noises from the front axle during acceleration or cornering, which could indicate joint wear or seal failure. For the brake system, examine the front and rear brake discs for signs of excessive glazing, corrosion, or binding, particularly on the near-side components where wear was noted. Check the brake pads for sufficient thickness and listen for any squeaking or grinding noises during braking, which could signal pad-to-disc contact or warping. The vehicle’s suspension should also be inspected for any signs of worn suspension bushes, coil springs, or dampers, as these components can contribute to the uneven tyre wear patterns observed. Given the age of the GLA, consider checking the 12V battery for signs of weakness or corrosion, especially around the terminals, and verify that all fluids—including the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and differential fluid—are at the correct levels and free from contamination. Additionally, since the vehicle has been driven regularly, the engine and transmission fluids should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, ideally within the last 12 months, to mitigate potential wear from prolonged operation. Finally, verify that the service book has been updated, particularly for the CV joint replacement and any other scheduled maintenance, to ensure the vehicle’s long-term reliability.