2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · NK13 XMH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension component integrity. While the car passed the August 2025 test at 84,402 miles, the inspection revealed new defects including a corroded offside rear coil spring and a severely deteriorated nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover. This follows a pattern of recurring suspension-related failures that suggest components are being replaced only upon reaching failure points rather than proactively. At 84,402 miles, the A-Class has averaged approximately 6,500 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage records show regular annual testing intervals, with roughly 9,200 miles covered between October 2023 and August 2025. While the relatively low mileage suggests the drivetrain has not been heavily stressed, the age of the vehicle is clearly impacting the longevity of rubber bushes and metal components, as evidenced by the repeated mechanical advisories. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire suspension assembly. The front anti-roll bar linkages and ball joints have been flagged for deterioration in almost every test since 2022, indicating a systemic weakness or neglect in this area. Furthermore, the lower suspension arms on both rear sides were noted for worn bushes in 2024, and the recent corrosion on the offside rear coil spring suggests that structural rust is beginning to affect the chassis components. The inspection history also highlights a period of neglect regarding basic maintenance, with multiple tyres found worn to the legal limit in 2022 and 2023. The buyer should verify the current condition and age of all four tyres and check for any signs of fluid leaks from the shock absorbers, as the record shows the vehicle has historically addressed mechanical faults only when they triggered a failure.