2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L Diesel · RF13 LFM

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter passed its most recent MOT on 5 June 2026 at 120,784 miles, but the maintenance trend is not reassuring. That pass came just two days after a failure on 3 June 2026 at the same recorded mileage, indicating the vehicle was likely presented, failed on corroded brake lines and a hydraulic leak, then retested after repairs. The fact that the same four tyres were flagged for cracking or perishing in both the failed and passed tests suggests cosmetic or age-related deterioration was tolerated rather than resolved. The brake pipe corrosion issue has been a recurring theme since at least May 2025, when all three front-to-rear brake pipes were flagged as corroded and contaminated with grease or other material. This pattern points to a vehicle that has had persistent underbody corrosion concerns rather than a one-off fix. The mileage progression raises questions about how the vehicle has been used. Between the 2023 test on 11 May 2023 at 161,101 miles and the 2024 test on 24 May 2024 at 107,577 miles, the recorded figure drops by over 53,000 miles, which is physically implausible and strongly suggests a clocking discrepancy or a replacement odometer. After that anomaly, the mileage climbs from 107,577 in May 2024 to 115,108 in May 2025 and then to 120,784 in June 2026, averaging roughly 7,800 miles per year. That is lower than the headline 9,291 miles per year average often quoted for its age, and the earlier spike and drop in the record undermines confidence in the true mileage history. Buyers should treat the brake system as a priority inspection. The repeated advisories on corroded brake pipes, combined with a June 2026 failure for a leaking nearside rear hydraulic brake pipe, indicate long-standing moisture ingress and underbody corrosion that may have affected unions, flexi hoses, and calipers. A thorough underside inspection on a ramp is essential, with particular attention to the fuel tank area and front-to-rear pipe runs where contamination with grease has been noted. The four tyres showing cracking or perishing across consecutive tests suggest they are aged rather than worn, so check sidewall date codes and budget for replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Suspension and steering wear also warrant close scrutiny. The 2024 test flagged play in the offside steering rack inner joint and a worn nearside front Macpherson strut top mount bush, while the 2023 test recorded slight play in both front wheel bearings. On a commercial van of this age and configuration, these are typical wear items, but combined with the corrosion history they suggest the vehicle has not had a comprehensive front-end overhaul. A buyer should check for uneven tyre wear, knocking over bumps, and any free play in the steering before committing.