2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · PX66 LPL

A consistent pattern of clean MOT passes over five consecutive tests, with the most recent on 12 December 2025 returning a pass alongside a single advisory for slight perishing on the nearside rear outer tyre, points to a mechanically sound and well-maintained example of this 2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The advisory record is notably light and shows a clear thematic clustering around rear tyre condition rather than any structural, braking, or suspension concerns. Each annual test has been completed without issue, suggesting the vehicle has not suffered from any chronic deterioration in the major safety-critical areas that DVSA examiners routinely inspect. The absence of any corrosion advisories is particularly reassuring for a ten-year-old Mercedes, given that corrosion-related failures on suspension components, subframes, and brake lines are common failure points on vehicles of this vintage. Overall, the trend across the testing history is stable and unremarkable, indicating the car has not been deteriorating between tests. With only 39,733 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the average annual mileage sits at around 3,973 miles, which is substantially below the typical figure for a vehicle of this age. This low accumulation suggests either a second-car role, predominantly short urban journeys, or periods of relative inactivity. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature tends to preserve major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch, while placing proportionally more stress on items that suffer from underuse. The tyres in particular have shown repeated advisories for cracking and perishing, which is consistent with a vehicle that spends long periods stationary, as sidewall rubber degrades through ozone exposure and age rather than wear. Brake discs and pads can also suffer from surface corrosion when a car is used infrequently, and short journeys prevent the brakes from reaching sufficient operating temperature to self-clean. For a prospective buyer, the recurring rear tyre advisories warrant a focused physical inspection of all four tyres, including the sidewalls for hairline cracking, bulges, or perishing that may have progressed beyond what was visible at the time of the last MOT test. The age of the tyres should be checked regardless of tread depth, as rubber compounds harden and lose grip after several years even on a car with low mileage. The 2024 advisory noting pitted and scored front inner brake discs, while not serious at the time, should be monitored by feeling for brake pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would indicate the discs have worn beyond their service limit. A test drive should include several firm stops from at least 30 mph to assess for any pulsing, pulling to one side, or grinding noises from the calipers. Given the low-mileage profile, particular attention should be given during the test drive to symptoms associated with infrequent use rather than wear. Listen for any hesitation, flat spots, or rough idle from the engine when cold, as short journeys and extended standing periods can accelerate oil degradation and allow moisture to accumulate in the lubricant. Check that the air conditioning blows cold promptly, as refrigerant seals and compressor lubrication can deteriorate with disuse. Inspect the exhaust system for any signs of rust or blowing, particularly at mounting points and the rear silencer, as ten years of weather exposure takes its toll even on a low-mileage car. Finally, raise the vehicle and check for any green staining or weeping from the coolant hoses, radiator, and expansion tank, as perished rubber components are common age-related failures on Mercedes-Benz products of this era and would not necessarily have been flagged at the most recent MOT if symptoms had not yet developed.