2004 Mercedes-Benz ML 5.0L Petrol · RC04 CRC

The Mercedes-Benz ML presents a stable roadworthiness record over its recent MOT history, with no defects or advisories logged in any of the five tests spanning March 2023 to March 2026. The most recent entries—both a pass and a fail on the same day in March 2026 at 213,687 miles—are unusual in their duplication but suggest the vehicle met all legal thresholds at the time of testing. The absence of recurring advisories or failures indicates that major mechanical components, such as brakes, suspension, and structural integrity, have not deteriorated beyond MOT standards in the past three years. That said, the fail/pass duplication on the same date raises questions about whether the test was retaken for administrative reasons or if minor issues were rectified immediately, though the record provides no detail on this. Mileage accumulation has been consistent and typical for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 9,700 miles per year over its 22-year lifespan. The recorded mileages—192,468 in March 2023, 199,326 in March 2024, and 207,017 in March 2025—show steady but not excessive usage, with no sudden spikes or prolonged inactivity that might indicate neglect or limited operation. The gap between tests is standard at one year, and there’s no evidence of rapid deterioration that might suggest poor maintenance or high-stress driving conditions. The most recent 6,670 miles covered between March 2025 and March 2026 align with the long-term average, reinforcing that the vehicle has been in regular, if not particularly heavy, use. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should still prioritise a thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly focusing on components that are prone to wear in high-mileage luxury SUVs. Pay close attention to the suspension—specifically the condition of coil springs, bushings, and ball joints—since these often degrade gradually and may not always trigger MOT advisories until they’re near failure. The braking system, including caliper condition, disc thickness, and pad wear, should be checked for uneven wear or binding, even though no issues were flagged in the tests. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels, is another critical area; while the MOT record shows no rust-related failures, hidden corrosion can compromise safety and resale value. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system for leaks or excessive wear, as emissions compliance was not explicitly noted in the records but is a common failure point in older diesel vehicles.