2001 Mercedes C 2.3L Petrol · R8 MOK

The vehicle is currently in an roadworthy state with a clear worsening trend in structural integrity. While it maintained clean records through 2021 and 2022, the recent MOT in May 2024 at 135,689 miles resulted in critical failures. The tester identified corrosion on both the nearside and offside front vehicle structures that significantly reduced the rigidity of the assembly. This represents a severe progression from the 2023 tests where corrosion was noted but not yet structurally compromised. At 135,689 miles, the car reflects a low annual mileage for its age, averaging approximately 5,400 miles per year. However, the data shows a period of active use between May 2022 and June 2023, where the vehicle covered over 4,000 miles in just thirteen months. This increase in activity coincides with the onset of mechanical and structural failures. The two-year gap since the last test in 2024 suggests the vehicle may have sat stationary or remained off the road following the major structural defects. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the chassis and subframe, focusing specifically on the front structural members where the tester flagged significant corrosion. The history shows recurring issues with the suspension and steering components, including a fractured coil spring in June 2023 and an excessively worn ball joint in 2024. The previous reports of corroded brake pipes and worn track rod ends indicate that the environment has aggressively affected the metalwork. Given the recent structural failure, the vehicle likely requires extensive welding and component replacement to be considered safe for continued use.