1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito 2.0L Petrol · R894 CMB

The vehicle most recently failed its MOT in March 2025, primarily due to excessive exhaust carbon monoxide emissions. The overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening, characterized by recurring failures related to emissions and a persistent, long-term pattern of corrosion across the braking system and structural mounting points. This suggests a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a preventative one, with several advisories remaining unaddressed over multiple years. With a recorded mileage of 92,835 miles over 28 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 3,316 miles per year. This is exceptionally low for a commercial vehicle of this era, indicating that it has likely spent significant periods stationary. While low mileage reduces mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, it often exacerbates issues such as seal shrinkage, fluid degradation, and standing corrosion, which is clearly evidenced in the vehicle's history of brake pipe and chassis deterioration. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system. The MOT history shows chronic corrosion of the brake pipes across nearly every corner of the vehicle over several years. You should check for any signs of fluid leaks or swelling of the pipes and be alert for a spongy brake pedal during a test drive. Furthermore, the repeated exhaust emission failures suggest underlying issues with the fuel mixture, sensors, or ignition system; listen for an unstable idle and check for excessive smoke or a strong smell of unburnt fuel upon acceleration. Given the vehicle's age and low usage, careful attention must be paid to rubber and structural components. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking, and verify the current condition of the CV boots, as a split boot was previously recorded. The history of structural corrosion in the rear suspension mounting areas is a significant red flag; use a torch to inspect the sills and chassis for deep scale or perforation. Finally, ensure the service history reflects calendar-based fluid changes rather than just mileage-based intervals, as aged oil and coolant can become acidic and damage internal engine components.