2003 Mercedes CLK 5.0L Petrol · OY03 AEP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 11 February 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the strongest possible outcome. Reviewing the available DVSA history, the Mercedes has produced a string of clean passes across consecutive tests dating back to late 2022, with only a single minor advisory issued for cosmetic deterioration of the front registration plate. The absence of recurring failure points across steering, suspension, braking, exhaust, or lighting categories over this multi-year window suggests that the vehicle has been maintained to a consistent standard, and the maintenance trend should be regarded as stable and reassuring rather than deteriorating. With 187,645 miles recorded over a 23-year lifespan, the annualised mileage works out at approximately 8,158 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and is not in itself a cause for concern. There is a noticeable gap between the 2023 test and the 2022 test, but this is consistent with the natural pattern of MOT certificates being issued in the months leading up to expiry rather than annually on a fixed date, and there is no evidence of extended periods off road or of rapid mileage accumulation between tests. That said, at this overall odometer reading the engine, automatic transmission, and drivetrain components are well into the second half of their expected working life, so a thorough mechanical inspection beyond the MOT record remains advisable. Given that the recorded MOT history is sparse in terms of advisories and the vehicle is now twenty-three years old, prospective buyers should place particular emphasis on age-related degradation rather than relying solely on the absence of defect entries. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden and lose flexibility over time even when tread depth remains adequate, and the wheels should be inspected for kerbing damage or corrosion around the rim bead that could compromise sealing. The 12V battery is highly likely to be on original-equivalent age by now and is one of the most common causes of non-start conditions in older vehicles, so its resting voltage and terminal condition should be checked. Brake discs, particularly the rear ones, are prone to corrosion and pitting from standing use or light usage, and calipers can seize on a car that has seen prolonged idle periods, leading to uneven pad wear or a dragging brake feel on test. Additional age-appropriate checks include verifying that the service book contains stamps at the correct intervals for engine oil, filter, transmission fluid, and coolant, as these are time-sensitive rather than purely mileage-driven services. The auxiliary drive belt, timing chain stretch (a known consideration on higher-mileage Mercedes petrol and diesel engines of this generation), and the condition of cooling system hoses and the radiator should be inspected for signs of weepage or perished rubber. On the road, listen for any suspension clonks over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn control arm bushes, top mounts, or coil springs, and pay attention to any shudders through the steering wheel under braking, which would point to warped front discs. Finally, examine the underside and inner wheel arches for structural corrosion, a known area of attention on vehicles of this age, and confirm that any warning lamps on the instrument cluster extinguish promptly after engine start, as persistent lights may indicate underlying faults outside the scope of the MOT test.