2017 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · RA17 OGJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. In the most recent test in October 2025 at 54,026 miles, the car failed initially due to a worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, a pitted offside rear brake disc, and a defective boot lid latch. While these issues were rectified to secure a pass, the recurrence of faults suggests that components are only addressed once they reach a failure point rather than during scheduled service intervals. At 54,027 miles, the Mercedes has averaged approximately 6,000 miles per year, which is consistent with low-use patterns for a nine-year-old vehicle. Data shows a steady progression of mileage, with roughly 2,600 miles covered between August 2023 and 2024, and another 2,600 miles between October 2024 and 2025. This low annual mileage often reduces mechanical wear on drivetrain components, but it can also lead to corrosion on brake surfaces and rubber-based suspension components due to periods of limited use. A buyer should specifically inspect the rear braking system, as the offside rear disc has been flagged as pitted and scored in both the 2024 and 2025 tests. The fluctuating service brake noted in 2024 further suggests potential warped rotors or sticking calipers that require close mechanical attention. Additionally, the failure of the nearside front ball joint in 2025 indicates that the suspension geometry is reaching the end of its service life. A physical inspection of the remaining ball joints and bushes is necessary to ensure that wear is not uniform across the front axle.