2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 1.8L Petrol · NE02 ARM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding structural corrosion and exhaust degradation. While it passed its most recent test in May 2026 at 114,589 miles, it had failed just two days prior due to high emissions and sub-frame issues. The persistence of corrosion on the rear sub-frame and the recurring exhaust leaks indicate that while the car meets minimum legal standards, the underlying components are reaching the limit of age-related fatigue. The recorded mileage of 114,589 miles over 17 years reflects an average annual usage of approximately 6,700 miles, which is consistent with a low-use executive car. However, there is a significant gap of over 23,000 miles between March 2024 and May 2025. This rapid burst of mileage coincided with a series of mechanical failures, including a fractured rear wheel and worn suspension bushes, suggesting the vehicle was suddenly subjected to heavy stress or poor road conditions after a period of lower use. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear sub-frame to ensure the noted corrosion has not progressed to the point of structural integrity failure. The history shows repeated issues with brake pipes, specifically excessive corrosion and the use of sealant or grease to hide rust, which often indicates a reactive rather than preventative maintenance approach. Furthermore, the exhaust system requires a close look as the tester has flagged leaks and defective mounting brackets consistently since 2024, indicating the entire assembly is failing.