2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.0L Petrol · R44 BWW

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 2 October 2025, though this followed a failure on 30 September 2025 due to a major fault with the supplementary restraint system warning lamp. While the car is currently roadworthy, the maintenance trend is showing signs of decline. After several years of clean certificates, the most recent tests have introduced a growing list of advisories relating to suspension, braking, and tyre wear, suggesting that the vehicle is entering a phase where several high-wear components are reaching the end of their service life. With a recorded mileage of 86,351 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,635 miles per year. This represents a typical usage profile for a car of this age and class, indicating it has not suffered from the degradation associated with prolonged standing nor the excessive wear of high-mileage motorway use. At this mileage, however, the drivetrain and chassis components are typically due for a secondary wave of preventative maintenance, particularly regarding rubber bushings and braking hardware. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering geometry. The recorded play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, combined with the inner edge wear on both front tyres, strongly indicates a misalignment or failing suspension components. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The inner edge tyre wear is a specific symptom of incorrect camber or toe settings, meaning the vehicle likely requires a full four-wheel alignment and the replacement of the affected tyres and ball joints to prevent premature wear on new rubber. The rear brake discs are noted as being worn, pitted, or scored, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency and increased pedal vibration. Inspect the discs through the spokes for heavy surface corrosion or deep scoring. Additionally, given the recent major failure regarding the airbag system, verify that no warning lights remain illuminated on the instrument cluster and request evidence of the repair to ensure the fault was permanently rectified rather than temporarily cleared. Finally, ensure the service history confirms regular oil and filter changes, as this mileage often coincides with the need for transmission fluid refreshes on these models.