2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Petrol · ML60 WFD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 January 2026, recorded a pass for the majority of items but a failure for the front windscreen washer jets, which were mis‑aligned and did not deliver sufficient fluid. Apart from that isolated fault, the test history shows a pattern of repeated advisories concerning corrosion on the brake pipe assemblies, with the first advisory appearing in 2023 and persisting through each subsequent inspection. Aside from the occasional tyre perishing advisory in 2023, there have been no outright failures since 2019, indicating that the vehicle’s overall maintenance record has remained broadly stable, though the recurring brake‑pipe corrosion suggests a gradual deterioration that has not yet escalated to a safety‑critical defect. At 88 692 miles on a 2010 model, the car averages roughly 5 500 miles per year, well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 miles annually. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The modest mileage reduces the wear on engine internals, transmission gears and suspension bushings, but it also means that rubber components, seals and batteries may have aged more from calendar time than from use, and that brake discs and drums may have developed surface rust from standing. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the brake pipe system. Inspect the front and rear steel brake lines for any signs of external rust, pitting or grease‑laden corrosion, and verify that there are no wet spots or fluid stains around the pipe joints. During a test drive, feel the brake pedal for any sponginess, soft pedal travel or a sudden change in pedal effort, which could indicate internal pipe degradation or fluid contamination. If the pipes are heavily corroded, replacement of the affected sections and a complete brake fluid flush (recommended every two years) would be prudent to restore reliable braking performance. Because the vehicle has been lightly used for many years, the tyres should be examined for age‑related perishing irrespective of tread depth; sidewalls should be free of cracking, dry rot or bulging, and the tyre manufacture date should be no more than six years old. Check the condition of the 12‑volt battery, looking for swollen cases or electrolyte loss, and have its cranking voltage and load capacity tested. Verify that routine fluids—engine oil, coolant, power‑steering and brake fluid—have been changed at appropriate intervals, and inspect for any leaks from the rear tail‑lamp area that was previously reported broken. Finally, confirm that the front windscreen washer jets have been correctly realigned and that the washer system delivers a steady spray, as this was the sole failure on the latest MOT. A thorough visual and functional inspection of these items will give a clear picture of any imminent maintenance and the overall roadworthiness of the car.