2013 Duffy E250 CDI Hurst 2.1L Diesel · MR12 ACF

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Hurst was most recently tested on 25 March 2026, where it was presented for examination and initially failed on dangerous tyre tread depth items affecting both front tyres, with the tread recorded as below the statutory 1.6mm limit at both the nearside and offside front positions. A same-day retest recorded a pass once these defects were presumably rectified, but the test still carried an advisory regarding light oil misting from the nearside rear shock absorber. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle shows a generally stable maintenance pattern with passes in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, interrupted only by a 2024 failure related to an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp and the recent 2026 tyre-related failure. The recurring advisory regarding the rear shock absorber in 2026, following a clean run in 2025, suggests the very early signs of component degradation beginning to appear, while the earlier 2021 advisory concerning the rear prop shaft flexible coupling warrants further inspection given the age-related deterioration of rubber drivetrain components. With 52,521 miles recorded over approximately 13 years, this equates to an annual average of around 4,040 miles, which is markedly below typical mileage for a vehicle of this vintage. Such low usage often reflects either limited driving, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both, and carries its own particular mechanical implications. Extended standing periods are particularly significant in a Mercedes-Benz of this era, as they tend to accelerate corrosion on brake discs due to surface rust accumulation, can lead to binding or seized brake calipers through lack of regular piston movement, and frequently cause premature ageing of the 12V battery and tyre sidewall perishing even where tread depth remains adequate. The relatively even year-on-year mileage progression suggests the vehicle has been in regular but light use rather than abandoned for long periods, which is reassuring, though calendar-based degradation of oils, coolants, brake fluid, and rubber components should still be considered given the thirteen-year elapsed time. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the nearside rear shock absorber advisory recorded in the 2026 test, as light oil misting is typically the first visible sign of seal failure and tends to progress to more pronounced leakage and diminished damping performance over time. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, observe whether the vehicle sits level or displays excessive rear-end bounce, and check for uneven or patchy tyre wear which would indicate compromised damping. The 2021 advisory regarding the rear prop shaft flexible coupling is also worth investigating, as deteriorated couplings on Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this age commonly present as drivetrain vibration under load, audible whirring or clunking on drive engagement, and may ultimately lead to more serious universal joint wear if neglected. Given the front tyres were deemed dangerously worn at the most recent test, it is essential to confirm the replacement tyres fitted were of reputable quality and correctly sized, as premature front tyre wear can sometimes point to tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or steering component wear. Beyond the items noted in the MOT history, the low annual mileage and thirteen-year age of this vehicle warrant a thorough physical inspection covering several calendar-based deterioration points. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully examined for cracking, perishing, and any signs of bulging, as tyres over six years old can degrade significantly regardless of remaining tread depth, and the manufacturing date code on each sidewall should be checked. Brake discs should be inspected for excessive corrosion around the outer edges and hub mounting faces, and the caliper slide pins should be checked for free movement, as vehicles that have stood for prolonged periods frequently suffer from corrosion-related caliper binding. The condition and charge state of the 12V battery should be verified, as Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this generation are particularly sensitive to voltage irregularities which can trigger spurious warning lights and electrical faults. Finally, it would be prudent to confirm full service history stamps, paying particular attention to brake fluid replacement which is typically required every two years regardless of mileage, coolant renewal intervals, and automatic transmission fluid service history, as time-based fluid degradation can cause significant mechanical issues even where annual mileage is low.