2016 Mercedes-Benz C 1.6L Diesel · PL66 AAJ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 23 October 2025, was passed but flagged two advisories concerning the near‑side and off‑side rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. Over the preceding six years the vehicle has shown a mixture of clean passes and recurring advisories – tyre wear in 2019 and 2025, front lower suspension arm ball‑joint play in 2023, and rear brake disc and pad wear in 2022. This pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance regime with normal wear items emerging as the car ages, rather than a deteriorating condition, but the recurrence of tyre‑related advisories indicates that tyre health should be a focal point for the buyer. At 81,509 miles recorded in 2026 the car averages roughly 8,150 miles per annum, which is typical for a ten‑year‑old Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class. The mileage does not reveal any periods of unusually high use that would accelerate component fatigue, nor does it suggest prolonged storage that could cause age‑related degradation. Consequently the wear observed on the tyres, suspension and brakes is more likely a function of normal mileage accumulation rather than excessive exploitation. Prospective owners should give the rear tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for sidewall cracking, tread delamination and any signs of uneven wear that could point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushings. The edge wear noted in the latest MOT may be symptomatic of camber issues or under‑inflation; a test‑drive should be used to listen for a humming or squealing noise that changes with cornering, and to feel for a pulling sensation to one side. Verify that the tyre age is within the recommended six‑year window by checking the DOT code; tyres older than this may have perished rubber even if tread depth appears adequate. If the tyres are approaching the legal limit or show age‑related deterioration, budgeting for a full set replacement is prudent. The front lower suspension arm ball‑joint play recorded in 2023 warrants a hands‑on check of the front steering feel; a noticeable clunk when turning over bumps or a vague looseness in the steering wheel can indicate that the ball joints are nearing the end of their service life and may need replacement soon. The rear brake advisories from 2022 suggest that the rear discs are already pitted and pads are thin; a firm, vibration‑free braking pedal should be confirmed on a test‑drive, and the discs should be measured for remaining thickness – if they are within a few millimetres of the minimum specification, replacement will be imminent. Beyond these specific items, the buyer should assess age‑related items such as the 12 V battery (checking voltage and cranking performance), coolant and gearbox oil condition (looking for discoloration or sludge), and any signs of corrosion on the chassis or underbody, especially if the car has spent time idle. A full service history, including recent oil changes and any suspension or brake component replacements, will give further confidence in the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.