2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · PL03 HOR

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, with a single advisory recorded against the nearside front tyre which was noted as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the outer edge. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance trend, with four passes and two failures recorded over the visible period. The first failure in February 2022 related to a side repeater lamp and a damaged tyre, both of which are straightforward electrical and consumable items, while the second failure in March 2023 concerned a supplementary restraint system warning lamp, which is a more significant concern that warrants verification of the underlying repair and any subsequent diagnostic confirmation. The 2024 advisories regarding front brake disc condition and front and rear brake pad wear, combined with the more recent tyre advisory, suggest that consumable components are being managed but are approaching the threshold where renewed attention and replacement are imminent. With 65,475 miles recorded on an 8 year old vehicle, the annual mileage of approximately 8,184 miles is broadly typical for its age and indicates a mix of urban and likely some longer distance usage. The MOT records do not reveal any extended periods of standing, as the test intervals remain regular, which is a positive indicator for mechanical and structural condition given that prolonged inactivity commonly leads to brake disc corrosion, brake caliper seizure, tyre flat-spotting, and degradation of fluid systems. The steady accumulation of mileage also suggests that major drivetrain and suspension components have been worked consistently rather than suffering the intermittent heavy loads associated with very high annual mileages. Given the advisory items recorded, particular attention should be paid to the braking system on inspection and test drive. The 2024 advisories noted pitting and scoring on the front brake discs alongside thin front and rear pads, meaning that further wear has almost certainly occurred in the intervening period and a thorough check of pad material thickness, disc wear lip, and disc surface condition is essential. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and observe for any pulling to one side which may indicate uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. The nearside front tyre flagged in 2025 should be inspected for remaining tread depth, and the wheel alignment should be checked to identify the cause of the outer edge wear, which is commonly indicative of incorrect camber or tracking settings and can lead to premature replacement of subsequent tyres. Beyond the recorded advisories, an 8 year old Mercedes-Benz A-Class with average mileage warrants several age-related checks regardless of the MOT outcome. The 12V battery should be tested for state of health, as Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era are particularly sensitive to voltage irregularities which can trigger a recurrence of the supplementary restraint system warning lamp noted in 2023, so confirmation of any recent battery replacement or a printed diagnostic report is advisable. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing from age even if tread depth remains legal, and all fluid services including brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid should be verified against manufacturer schedules, as these degrade over time irrespective of mileage. The previously damaged windscreen and driver door mirror should be inspected to ensure no water ingress has occurred, and a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes relating to the supplementary restraint system, airbag modules, and seat occupancy sensors would be prudent to confirm that the earlier failure has been comprehensively resolved.