2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK 3.2L Petrol · R16 AAP

A notably bare DVSA record defines the mechanical picture of this 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK, with the most recent entry on 2 April 2025 showing a clean pass and no advisories or defects recorded. Three tests are documented across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and every one of them returned either a pass or a fail with no itemised reasons logged by the examiner. Two of the three annual attempts required a retest the following day, which suggests minor presentation issues such as a bulb, tyre, or wipe-and-retry item rather than substantial mechanical non-compliance, but the absence of any defect codes means the underlying causes cannot be confirmed from the MOT history alone. There is simply no advisories trail here to inspect for the usual Mercedes wear points such as rear subframe corrosion, front control arm bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers, and that silence is the most distinctive feature of the file. The recorded mileage of 36,316 miles across roughly 22 years equates to an average accumulation of around 1,650 miles per year, which is very low for a car of this age and points to either genuinely light use or extended periods off the road. The DVSA file does not contain any mileage readings between the 2023 and 2025 tests, so it is not possible to confirm whether the car has been exercised regularly or left standing for long stretches between MoTs. Low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components and brake friction material, but it also raises the likelihood of dried rubber, perished seals, sticking caliper pistons, and degradation of fluids that only see use seasonally. For a Mercedes of this vintage, the age of the vehicle is at least as significant as the odometer reading when assessing corrosion and structural integrity. Because the MOT history contains no flagged components, a buyer must rely on a physical inspection to assess the items that would normally appear as advisories on a CLK of this generation. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would point to worn lower control arm bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar mounts, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or knocking through the steering rack. Feel for brake pedal judder under moderate pressure, which suggests warped front discs, and watch for the car pulling to one side under braking, which can accompany a binding caliper after long periods of inactivity. Inspect the rear spring pans and the lower front subframe mounting areas closely for any bubbling or perforation rust, as these are known corrosion zones on this model, and check under the bonnet for oil residue around the cam covers, front crankshaft seal, and power steering pump. Given the very low recorded mileage and the complete absence of advisory data, it is sensible to budget for age-related consumable replacement regardless of how the car presents itself. Expect to renew brake fluid, coolant, and the battery purely on age grounds, and consider a fresh set of tyres if the existing ones are more than a few years old, as the rubber will have hardened even with little mileage accrued. A thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp, paying particular attention to the suspension linkages, brake hydraulics, exhaust hangers, and underbody corrosion, would be strongly advisable before committing to purchase, since the MOT file alone does not provide enough detail to reassure a buyer about the mechanical state of a 22 year old Mercedes that has covered so few miles.