2012 Mercedes-Benz C200 Sport CDI Blueeffi-CY A 2.1L Heavy oil · RF12 CXT

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 February 2026 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that on the day of test the vehicle satisfied all statutory roadworthiness requirements. The preceding test on 2 March 2025 also passed without comment, demonstrating a stable and consistent maintenance profile. It is, however, worth noting that two prior tests during 2022 and 2025 were recorded as failures despite no defects being listed in the summary provided, which is unusual and may indicate administrative retests following a refusal on a category not captured, or a refusal that was subsequently passed elsewhere. The overall pattern is one of compliance, with the most recent two consecutive passes suggesting the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory standard leading into the current ownership proposition. The recorded odometer reading of 120,523 miles across approximately fourteen years equates to an annualised average of around 8,609 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and consistent with mixed private and short-journey usage. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2019 onwards with consistent year-on-year mileage progression, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods. This is mechanically beneficial, as frequent operation helps preserve fluid health, reduces the risk of seized brake calipers, and prevents the drying and perishing of rubber components such as bushes, gaiters, and seals. That said, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now well into the second half of its expected service life, so high-mileage wear items including the timing chain, injectors, and suspension subframes should be regarded as areas requiring particular attention regardless of the average figure. Given the clean MOT record, prospective buyers should focus on age- and mileage-related deterioration that an MOT does not necessarily assess. Tyre sidewalls should be closely inspected for cracking or perishing, as fourteen-year-old rubber can fail despite retaining legal tread depth, and the spare or inflation kit should be checked for serviceability. The 12V battery is likely due for replacement, particularly if the original has never been changed, and any standing symptoms such as sluggish starting or intermittent electrical faults should be investigated. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for corrosion or binding after periods of inactivity, and the underside of the vehicle should be inspected for oil leaks from the engine, power steering, or differential, all of which are common on higher-mileage Mercedes products. Service history should be verified to confirm that brake fluid has been renewed at least every two years and that coolant and automatic transmission fluid have been changed in line with manufacturer intervals, as these are time-sensitive rather than mileage-sensitive services. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which may indicate worn lower control arm bushes, drop links, or top mount bearings, and pay attention to any knocking or rattling from the front of the engine on cold start, which on this generation of C-Class can suggest stretched timing chain guides. Steering should feel precise without vibration through the wheel, and the transmission should change smoothly without hesitation, flare, or harsh engagement. Air-conditioning performance, central locking function, and the operation of all electric windows and seats should be confirmed working, as electrical wear is common in vehicles of this vintage. Finally, a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist or a thorough independent garage using a diagnostic tool to interrogate the various control modules is strongly recommended, as it will reveal stored fault codes and service history within the vehicle's systems that cannot be assessed during a standard test drive.