2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.1L Diesel · OV64 XSC

The most recent DVSA test on 5 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but the same date also carries a recorded failure for a nearside headlamp aim that was too low. This is a readily correctable adjustment item rather than an indication of structural or mechanical deterioration, and the fact that the vehicle subsequently passed suggests the headlamp was realigned. Reviewing the broader trend across the 2024 and 2025 tests, however, the maintenance picture is one of gradual worsening rather than stability. The 2024 test was an advisory-only pass with deterioration of front anti-roll bar dust covers and rear tyre and brake disc wear noted. By 2025, those advisories had escalated, with an outright major failure for an offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, a minor defect on the nearside equivalent, and further advisories for rear brake disc condition, an offside rear tyre worn to approximately 3mm, and a deteriorating rear registration plate. The recurrence of anti-roll bar component deterioration across consecutive tests indicates a wearing pattern that has not yet been fully addressed and warrants close physical inspection. The recorded mileage of 140,595 miles across approximately twelve years equates to an annual average of around 11,716 miles, which sits squarely within the expected band for a vehicle of this age and is not in itself a cause for concern. There are no conspicuous gaps in the test history that would suggest long periods of standing, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that would flag potential commercial or high-stress use. That said, at 140,000 miles, several major mechanical systems on a Mercedes-Benz CLA will be approaching or have passed their normal service life. Wear items such as suspension components, brake discs and pads, tyres, and drivetrain mountings should be expected to require attention, and the absence of any recorded odometer gap means the cumulative wear is consistent with the indicated mileage. Given the recurring advisories on the front anti-roll bar ball joints, a prospective buyer should closely inspect both front anti-roll bar drop links and their dust covers for any perishing, splits, or contamination, and listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over speed humps and during low-speed cornering. The rear brake discs were flagged as pitted, scored, and worn on their inner faces across two consecutive tests, so they should be physically examined for lipping, corrosion, and any signs of brake shudder or pulsation under firm pedal pressure. A test drive should include a check for pulling to one side, a binding handbrake, and any grinding or squealing from the rear brakes. The nearside headlamp aim failure should also be re-verified, as headlamp levelling motors and adjusters on the CLA can deteriorate with age, and a recurring low beam may point to a worn motor or linkage rather than a simple setting error. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage of this vehicle warrant a number of supplementary checks that do not always appear on an MOT. The tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing, and manufacture date, as twelve-year-old rubber can deteriorate even with adequate tread depth. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid should be confirmed as recently renewed, as these degrade on a calendar basis. The 12V battery is also a likely candidate for replacement at this age, and a standing-start voltage or load test is advisable. Finally, the underbody should be inspected for corrosion, particularly around the suspension turrets, subframes, and brake lines, and the service book should be examined to confirm that the cambelt, if applicable to this engine variant, and other major scheduled items have been completed in line with manufacturer intervals.