2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 1.8L Petrol · NJ12 XVP

Based on the official DVSA MOT records, this SLK presents a stable and well-maintained mechanical picture as of its most recent test. The vehicle passed its MOT on 29 April 2026 at 19,203 miles, which is remarkably recent relative to today's date. The maintenance trend over the last three years shows a clear improvement, with the car resolving a suspension fault that caused a failure in 2025 and subsequently passing cleanly in 2026 with only a minor advisory. The mileage pattern confirms exceptionally low usage for a 2012 vehicle, averaging just 1,372 miles per year. Between the March 2023 test at 17,652 miles and the March 2024 test at 18,169 miles, the car covered 517 miles. The jump from March 2024 to the May 2025 failure at 18,635 miles represents 466 miles over roughly fourteen months, indicating the vehicle likely stood unused for extended periods. This sporadic usage pattern means a buyer should pay close attention to components that deteriorate from age and inactivity rather than purely from mileage. A recurring advisory for a cut in the nearside rear tyre outer sidewall appeared in both the May 2025 and April 2026 tests. While both testers noted the cut was not deep enough to expose the ply or cords, the fact that the same defect persists across two consecutive tests suggests the tyre may have been left unaddressed rather than replaced. A buyer should inspect this tyre carefully for any deterioration in the sidewall structure and budget for a replacement if the cut shows signs of deepening or bulging. The May 2025 failure for a degraded nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover is worth noting. Although the fault was rectified before the April 2026 pass, a failed gaiter allows dirt and moisture into the joint, accelerating wear. A buyer should check for any play or knocking from the front suspension and inspect the underside for fresh corrosion or weeping seals, particularly given the car's tendency to sit stationary for long periods. The repeated fitment of engine covers and undertrays across all tests is a positive sign, suggesting the car has not been subject to rushed or incomplete repairs.