2013 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · LT13 KSE

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2026-07-23 shows a concerning lack of recent inspection data, with the last official test occurring over a year ago on 2025-05-01—despite the car having accumulated nearly 47,000 additional miles since then. This gap is particularly notable given the vehicle’s age and the repeated test failures in prior years, which suggest either inconsistent servicing or a pattern of deferred maintenance. The 2025 test cycle itself was unusual, with two identical entries on the same date—one pass and one fail—indicating either a clerical error or a deliberate attempt to bypass proper inspection, though no defects were recorded in either case. Without a test within the last 12 months, there is no assurance that critical systems like brakes, suspension, or emissions have been verified since May 2025. The mileage progression reveals an irregular pattern, with a sudden jump of 40,000 miles between the 2023 and 2024 tests, followed by a slower accumulation of around 46,000 miles in the subsequent year. This suggests either a period of heavy usage or prolonged non-operation, both of which could accelerate wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers. The average annual mileage of roughly 9,000 miles is typical for a vehicle of this age, but the abrupt shifts imply inconsistent usage patterns that may have contributed to the repeated MOT failures in 2024. There is no evidence of extended periods of inactivity, but the lack of servicing records between tests raises questions about how consumables like tyres, wiper blades, and brake pads were managed during this time. Given the history of MOT failures—particularly the repeated re-tests in 2024—any buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, including caliper binding, disc thickness, and hydraulic fluid condition. The suspension should be checked for worn or leaking bushes, corroded coil springs, and uneven wear patterns that could indicate prior neglect. Rust penetration in wheel arches, subframes, and sills is another critical area, especially given the vehicle’s age; corrosion can compromise structural integrity without obvious external signs. The repeated failures also warrant scrutiny of the exhaust system for leaks or catalytic converter efficiency, as these are common fail points in older Mercedes-Benz models. While the MOT record shows no recorded defects, the pattern of test failures suggests these areas may have been overlooked in the past.