2012 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · N9 KAR

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a recent downward trend in mechanical condition. While the 2025 test at 34,628 miles recorded no defects, the most recent inspection on 12 January 2026 at 36,761 miles flagged several emerging issues. The tester identified slight play in both the nearside and offside front wheel bearings and noted that the offside front upper suspension arm ball joint dust cover has severely deteriorated. These findings indicate that components are beginning to fail due to age rather than heavy usage. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 2012 model, averaging approximately 2,600 miles per year. The record shows significant periods of inactivity, such as the gap between the 2019 and 2021 tests. While low mileage generally suggests less wear on the drivetrain, the history reveals that the vehicle suffers from age-related degradation. For instance, the 2015 and 2016 records show tyres cracking and wearing to the legal limit despite very low mileage, which is a classic symptom of rubber perishability from long periods of standing. A prospective buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension and wheel assemblies. The recent wheel bearing play and the deteriorated ball joint dust cover suggest that further suspension component failures are likely imminent. The 2022 failure regarding the ABS and electronic stability control warning lamps indicates a history of electronic sensor or module faults that should be verified as fully resolved. Tyre condition requires close scrutiny. The history shows a recurring pattern of sidewall cuts and age-related cracking, including a failure in January 2024 at 31,023 miles. Given the low annual mileage, the rubber may be prone to perishing even if tread depth remains high. Checking for consistent manufacturing dates on all four tyres is essential to ensure they are not structurally compromised by age.