2020 Mercedes-Benz C 1.9L Diesel · LS20 HSA

The most recent MOT carried out on 29 June 2026 resulted in a Pass with no recorded defects, and the preceding three annual tests in 2025, 2024 and 2023 also all passed. The only non‑defect notation was an advisory in 2023 concerning a rear child‑seat that obscured the adult belt and a nail lodged in the off‑side rear tyre. Overall the MOT history shows a stable maintenance pattern with no deterioration in the recorded condition of the vehicle’s safety‑critical systems. At six years old the car has a recorded mileage of 11 829 mi, which works out to roughly 1 970 mi per annum – considerably below the average UK usage of around 7‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation suggests the vehicle has spent a substantial amount of time standing or being driven only occasionally. While low mileage reduces wear on consumables, prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to issues such as battery sulphation, tyre sidewall perishing, and corrosion of brake components or suspension joints that are not evident in an MOT inspection. When you inspect the car, first verify that the rear adult seat‑belt can be fully accessed and that the anchorage points are free from distortion or fraying; a child‑seat that blocks the belt may have caused the belt to be pulled or twisted during previous fittings. Remove the nail from the off‑side rear tyre and have the tyre inspected for any internal damage, checking the tread depth, sidewall integrity and ensuring the wheel is correctly balanced. During a test drive listen for any clunk or squeak from the rear suspension, especially over bumps, which could indicate worn bushings or deteriorated coil‑spring mounts that are more likely after long periods of static load. Given the vehicle’s age and limited mileage, pay particular attention to time‑related wear items. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening – the DOT code should confirm that the tyres are not older than six years. Inspect the 12 V battery for signs of sulphation, check the electrolyte level if it is a serviceable type, and consider a load test to confirm it can hold charge after years of intermittent use. Look for surface rust on the wheel arches, under‑carriage and brake discs; any excessive corrosion may signal moisture ingress that could affect brake performance. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and that the timing chain or belt (as applicable) has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s calendar, as these items are driven more by elapsed time than by mileage.