2017 Mercedes-Benz C 1.6L Diesel · PR10 RAG

The most recent MOT, dated 21 November 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle now meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. This represents a clear improvement from the 12 December 2024 test, where the car failed on dangerous rear‑tyre condition, a major cut on the same tyre and an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The intervening 2023 and earlier tests were largely clean, apart from routine advisories, suggesting that the serious issues identified in 2024 have been remedied and that the overall maintenance trajectory is now stabilising rather than deteriorating. At 77 309 miles on a 2017 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 8 600 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope for a vehicle of this age. There are no evident long periods of inactivity that would raise concerns about corrosion from standing, nor any spikes in mileage that would imply accelerated wear of high‑load components. The mileage therefore supports a reasonable expectation of remaining life for major wear items, provided they have been serviced in line with the manufacturer’s schedule. The tyre history warrants particular attention. Both front tyres were flagged in 2024 as being close to the legal tread limit and the off‑side rear tyre was recorded as dangerous, with a cut deep enough to reach the ply and tread depth well below 1.6 mm. Even though the 2025 MOT passed, it is likely that the rear tyre was replaced and the front tyres may have been resurfaced or replaced; however, the age of the rubber is now approaching a decade, and sidewall cracking or dry‑rot can develop irrespective of tread depth. A prospective buyer should inspect each tyre for age markings (DOT code), sidewall integrity, uniform wear patterns and any signs of cupping or bulging. A tyre change is almost certainly required within the next few thousand miles, and the front brake pads, noted as thin in 2024, should be measured for remaining material; any squeal, pulsation or increased stopping distances on a test drive would indicate that replacement is imminent. The rear brake disc was advisory‑rated as pitted in 2023; while not yet a safety issue, excessive scoring can lead to reduced braking efficiency and should be checked for depth and surface condition, with replacement considered if the disc is approaching the minimum thickness specified by Mercedes‑Benz. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive age‑related inspection is advisable. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for corrosion on terminals and checking voltage under load, as a nine‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Examine suspension bushings, ball joints and coil springs for any signs of wear, looseness or leaking grease, and listen for clunks over bumps during a drive. Confirm that all fluid service intervals – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission oil – have been observed, paying particular attention to the colour and smell of the brake fluid, which should be replaced at least every two years. Finally, review the service book for evidence of regular oil changes, timing‑chain or belt maintenance, and any recorded repairs following the 2024 failures to ensure that the remedial work was carried out to a proper standard before committing to purchase.