2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Petrol · LS59 OSV

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but four advisories were issued, indicating that while the vehicle was deemed roadworthy at the time of test, several wear items were noted that warrant close attention. Across the recorded history, the vehicle has passed three of its last five tests on the first attempt, with two failures attributable to minor electrical defects, namely a non-functioning offside rear stop lamp in 2025 and a non-functioning rear fog lamp in 2024. A further failure in 2023 related to headlamp aim, which was subsequently corrected. Looking at the broader pattern, the test history shows a mild worsening trend, with the number of advisories per test increasing in 2023 and again in 2026, and the 2026 advisories specifically flagging structural concerns around corrosion of brake pipes and a rear coil spring. There is no evidence of catastrophic mechanical failure or persistent major defects, but the accumulating advisories suggest that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related deterioration is becoming more pronounced. The recorded mileage of 76,667 miles against an approximate vehicle age of seventeen years equates to an annual usage of around 4,510 miles, which is considerably below the national average and consistent with either low regular use or extended periods of standing. The MOT records show annual tests at broadly consistent intervals since 2023, with mileage evidently building gradually between visits, which is typical of a second-car or low-commute vehicle. While low mileage reduces wear on high-load components such as the clutch, drivetrain and interior, it increases the risk of deterioration through inactivity, including corrosion of ferrous components, perishing of rubber and polymer parts, degradation of brake fluid through moisture absorption, and discharge of the 12V battery. The 2023 advisory noting an illuminated engine service light and tyre pressure monitor warning is also more typical of a low-use vehicle where systems have stood dormant or fluids and sensors have degraded. The recurring advisory concerning the rear brake pipes being covered in grease or other material, first noted in 2023 and again in 2026, is a familiar Mercedes response to surface corrosion on the underbody brake lines, where protective underseal is applied to inhibit further rusting rather than replacing the pipe. The 2026 test escalates this by specifically recording the pipes as corroded, which means the protective treatment is no longer fully effective and the lines will need monitoring, with replacement likely becoming necessary at the next test if corrosion progresses. Symptoms to listen for on a test drive include any sponginess or excessive travel in the brake pedal, which would indicate fluid ingress or a leak, and the buyer should physically inspect the underbody for bubbling, flaking, or visible rust through on the brake lines, particularly along the rear axle and under-floor sections. The advisory on the nearside rear coil spring being corroded is also a concern, as corroded springs can suffer metal fatigue and fracture, producing an audible clonking over bumps and visible rear-end sag when the vehicle is loaded. The front tyre wear advisories recorded across the 2025 and 2026 tests suggest either inconsistent front geometry or simply age-hardened rubber, and any uneven inner or outer shoulder wear would point towards worn suspension bushes or top mount wear, which is a known issue on this generation of A-Class. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful physical inspection beyond the MOT record. Tyres of this vintage can suffer sidewall perishing and cracking even when the tread depth remains legal, so each tyre should be examined closely for hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber, and a date code check will confirm whether they are older than six years. The 12V battery is statistically the most likely failure point on a low-mileage car of this age, and it should be load-tested or replaced prophylactically if it is the original unit. Brake discs that have corroded or developed lipping from standing should be checked by spinning each wheel by hand to feel for binding calipers or rough disc surfaces, and the handbrake mechanism, often seized on cars that have stood for long periods, must be confirmed to hold on an incline. Coolant, brake fluid and automatic transmission fluid, if fitted, degrade by calendar age rather than mileage, so evidence of recent fluid changes should be sought in the service history. Finally, given the corrosion advisories, a thorough inspection of the underbody, sills, jacking points and rear coil spring locations is strongly advised, as is a borescope examination of the brake pipes to determine how much sound metal remains beneath the surface treatment.