2010 Mercedes-Benz C 3.0L Diesel · MV10 TLU

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a concerning trend of recurring mechanical defects that remain unresolved. In the most recent test in February 2025 at 145,210 miles, the car passed despite persistent issues with deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers and corroded rear brake pipes. These specific faults have appeared in four consecutive annual tests dating back to 2022, indicating that the previous owners have performed only the minimum repairs required to pass the MOT rather than replacing the failing components in full. The mileage pattern is relatively consistent for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 9,000 miles per year. There is a notable increase in usage between November 2018 and December 2019, where the car covered nearly 29,000 miles in just thirteen months. Since then, the usage has stabilized to roughly 9,000 to 10,000 miles per annum. The gap between the 2021 and 2022 tests shows a period of clean operation, but the subsequent years reveal more significant wear on the suspension and braking systems. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear brake system and front suspension. The recurring corrosion on the rear brake pipes, noted as being covered in grease, suggests an attempt to mask deep rust or structural degradation that could lead to a sudden failure. The severely deteriorated dust covers on the anti-roll bar linkages mean the ball joints are likely nearing failure and will soon cause knocking or handling instability. Furthermore, the oil leak noted in 2024 should be monitored to ensure it does not become a significant leak from the steering rack, which was already an issue as early as 2014.