2020 Mercedes-Benz A 1.3L Petrol · ML70 DHM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that time. Over the preceding three years the MOT record shows only advisory items – front tyre tread approaching the legal limit in 2023, rear brake pads reported as thin in 2024 and rear tyre sidewall cracking noted in 2025 – none of which escalated to a failure. This pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance regime, with wear items being identified early and addressed before they become safety‑critical, although the recurrence of tyre‑related advisories points to a need for close monitoring of the rubber components. At 37 663 miles recorded in September 2026 the car averages roughly 6 300 miles per year since its first registration in 2020. This annual mileage is comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a six‑year‑old executive saloon and does not, on its own, raise concerns about accelerated wear. The mileage figure also implies that the vehicle has not been subjected to high‑stress, high‑kilometre duty cycles, but the presence of tyre advisories could indicate periods of limited use where rubber ageing, rather than sheer distance, has contributed to sidewall degradation. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition. The advisories for slight damage or cracking on both rear tyres suggest that the sidewalls may be perishing, a common issue on vehicles that sit for extended periods or are driven primarily on short trips. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for any visible cracks, bulges or dry rot, and measure tread depth across the width of each tyre; any reading below 3 mm, or uneven wear patterns, warrants replacement. While the front tyres were flagged in 2023 as being close to the legal limit, confirm that they still retain at least 3 mm of tread and that there is no excessive edge wear, which could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. During a test drive listen for any thumping or squeaking from the rear corners, especially when cornering, as this may reveal deteriorating tyre sidewalls or failing rear suspension components. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive age‑related inspection is advisable. Verify the health of the 12‑volt battery, checking voltage and charge retention, as batteries over six years often lose capacity. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pedal feels firm with no pulsation, which would confirm that the thin rear pads identified in 2024 have been replaced or are still within safe limits. Inspect the suspension for worn bushings, cracked coil springs or leaking shock absorbers, and look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and undercarriage, which can develop in cars that spend long periods idle. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing‑chain or belt maintenance in line with Mercedes‑Benz recommendations; timely fluid replacement is crucial to preserving engine and transmission longevity in a relatively low‑mileage, six‑year‑old vehicle.