2009 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · OU59 FSD

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 5 December 2025, resulted in a Pass with no recorded defects, and the preceding three annual tests (2024, 2023 and 2022) also returned Passes. Apart from an anomalous entry showing a failure on the same day in 2024 – which, given the lack of recorded faults, appears to be a clerical error – the MOT history demonstrates a consistently clean record over the last four years. This pattern suggests that the vehicle has been maintained to a standard that satisfies the statutory safety and emissions criteria, indicating a stable maintenance trend rather than any emerging deterioration. At 84 333 miles for a 2009 model, the car averages just under 5 000 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of around 8‑10 000 miles per year. Such low annual mileage often points to light, possibly intermittent use, or periods of storage. While reduced wear on high‑stress components such as the clutch, gearbox and engine bearings is a benefit, prolonged inactivity can give rise to age‑related issues: rubber components may harden, seals can dry out, and corrosion may develop on metal parts that have not been regularly lubricated. Prospective buyers should therefore be mindful that the vehicle’s chronological age, rather than its odometer reading, will dominate the condition of many wear items. A thorough visual and tactile inspection should begin with the tyres. Even with modest mileage, sidewalls can crack or become brittle after more than a decade, especially if the car has spent time stationary in a damp environment. Check for any signs of dry rot, uneven tread wear and verify that the tread depth meets the legal minimum. Examine the suspension – look for cracked or perished rubber bushes, worn ball joints and any play in the coil springs or shock absorbers. On a short test drive, listen for clunking or squeaking when negotiating bumps, and feel for any wandering or excessive body roll that could indicate deteriorated bushings or worn anti‑roll bar links. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12‑volt battery should be tested for cranking amperage and checked for any signs of sulfation or leaking. Verify that the brake discs are free of heavy rust and that the pads have sufficient thickness; any uneven pad wear or disc scoring may only become apparent under hard braking. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for correct levels, colour and any evidence of contamination; fluids over ten years old often lose their protective properties and should be replaced as a precaution. Finally, confirm that the service book is up to date, with recent oil changes, timing‑chain or belt service records, and that any recall work applicable to this model year has been completed. These checks will help ensure that the car’s low mileage truly reflects a well‑preserved condition rather than hidden age‑related degradation.