1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.3L Petrol · P958 CCT

A pattern of clean MOT outcomes defines this 29 year old Mercedes-Benz SLK, with eight tests recorded and no failures or refusals on the DVSA history. Every entry from the earliest recorded test in 2018 through to the most recent pass on 26 June 2026 was cleared at the first attempt, and the last six examinations have carried zero advisories. The only blemishes in the file are clustered in the 2018 and 2019 tests, where tyre perishing across all four corners, front brake disc wear, and an under-tray obscuring some underside components were noted. None of those items have reappeared, suggesting either component replacement or sufficient degradation that the items have either been resolved or have not yet reached the advisory threshold again. Overall, the roadworthiness record is steady and shows no worsening trend across the documented period. The recorded mileage of 34,265 miles against a 1997 registration equates to roughly 1,180 miles per year over the vehicle's life, which is notably low for a car of this age. The MOT file does not include odometer readings, so it is not possible to confirm how mileage has accumulated year by year or whether the car has spent extended periods off the road, but the very low annual average raises the possibility of long stationary periods. Mechanically, this usage profile is consistent with the under-tray advisory noted in 2019, as cars that spend time laid up often accumulate surface corrosion on brake components and underbody hardware rather than wearing through friction material. Low annual mileage also tends to mean brake discs and pads are more likely to suffer from surface oxidation and pitting rather than wear, which aligns with the pitted front discs flagged three years into the recorded history. For a prospective buyer, the front brake discs warrant direct physical inspection, as the 2018 advisory noted pitting without serious weakening and Mercedes-Benz SLK front calipers and discs are known to seize or bind if the vehicle has been used gently. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding on light braking, feel for a pulsing pedal that would indicate disc runout, and check that the car pulls evenly to a standstill without pulling to one side. Examine the discs visually for a sharp lip at the outer edge, which would confirm they have been on the car for a long time, and check that the caliper slide pins move freely by rocking each corner with the wheel removed or by feeling for a stuck-on feeling during gentle application and release of the brake. A binding caliper on a low-mileage car of this type will quickly generate heat and wear the inner pad disproportionately. The tyre perishing advisories from 2018 are also worth revisiting during a viewing, as cracking on a low-mileage car typically reflects age-related rubber degradation rather than tread wear. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, particularly in the shoulder and bead areas, and check the production date stamps to confirm they have been replaced within the last few years. Given the vehicle's age, also pay particular attention to the convertible roof mechanism, the rear axle subframe mounting points, and the suspension top mounts and control arm bushes for any corrosion or perishing, as these are common MOT failure areas on R170 chassis SLKs even when recent tests have been clean. During a road test, listen for clonks over uneven surfaces that would suggest worn front suspension links, and feel for any vagueness in the steering that could indicate worn track rod ends or a deteriorating front subframe bush.