2016 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · MNA 100

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass in September 2025, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive rather than preventative care. While the most recent test passed, it failed just one day prior due to an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and persistent play in the nearside counterpart. The recurring nature of these ball joint issues from 2023 through 2025 indicates that the front steering geometry was only addressed once components reached a critical point of failure. At 42,078 miles, this ten-year-old Mercedes has covered significantly low mileage, averaging approximately 4,200 miles per year. The mileage progression is consistent, showing an increase of roughly 3,900 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests. While low annual mileage generally reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain, it often leads to the accelerated degradation of rubber-based components and the seizing of braking hardware due to inactivity, which aligns with the gradual deterioration of the ball joints seen in the record. A buyer should closely inspect the front suspension geometry, as the ball joints have appeared as a recurring fault for three consecutive years. The history of uneven tyre wear, specifically on the edges noted in 2023 and 2024, suggests potential alignment issues or worn bushings that have not been fully rectified. Furthermore, although the brake discs were flagged as worn in the 2025 test but did not cause a failure, the thickness of the remaining discs and the condition of the calipers should be verified to ensure they are not nearing the end of their functional life despite the low mileage.