2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 2.3L Petrol · PW52 BEV

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a persistent trend of structural corrosion and deferred maintenance. While it passed its most recent test in July 2025 at 69,177 miles, this followed a failure just two days prior where multiple critical issues were identified. The maintenance trend is worsening in terms of structural integrity, as corrosion consistently appears across the subframes, suspension arms, and seat belt anchor points. Although the immediate failures were rectified, the recurring nature of the rust on load-bearing areas suggests the vehicle is reaching a stage where surface degradation may become structural failure. The mileage history is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,882 miles per year. The car moved from 68,008 miles in May 2023 to 69,177 miles by July 2025, representing only 1,169 miles over two years. This low usage explains the perishing of rubber components, such as the cracking rear tyres and perished exhaust mounts, as the vehicle likely sat for long periods allowing moisture to accelerate corrosion without the protective heat and mechanical action of regular use. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody, focusing on the areas where the tester has repeatedly flagged corrosion. The front and rear subframes, lower suspension arms, and inner sills require close scrutiny as the 2025 failure noted significantly reduced strength in the nearside front seat belt anchorage area, which is a major safety concern that requires verification beyond the MOT report. Furthermore, the history of corroded brake pipes and hoses noted in 2023 indicates that the braking system components are vulnerable to environmental damage, necessitating a check for leaks or thinning metal walls.