2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2.1L Diesel · RO17 MLY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 31 March 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory that the off‑side rear tyre is worn close to the legal limit and shows edge wear. Over the preceding six years the vehicle has alternated between clean passes and a single dangerous failure in April 2022 for a nearside rear tyre that was below the 1.6 mm minimum. Repeated tyre‑related advisories in 2021, 2024 and 2026 indicate a pattern of tyre wear that has not been fully addressed, suggesting a maintenance trend that is deteriorating rather than improving, even though the overall MOT status has remained “pass”. At 150,088 miles for a 2017 model the car averages roughly 16,700 miles per year, which is considerably above the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles per annum for a vehicle of this class. This elevated annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake discs, pads and suspension components, and places additional stress on the engine and transmission. The mileage figure also implies that the car has likely been driven regularly rather than stored for long periods, reducing the likelihood of age‑related fluid degradation but increasing the probability of component fatigue. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Measure tread depth on all four wheels, ensuring each tyre exceeds the 1.6 mm minimum and is free from cupping, sidewall cracks or dry‑rot, which are common in high‑mileage, age‑related perishing. Uneven wear on the inner edges of the front tyres, as noted in the 2024 advisory, may point to mis‑alignment, worn front‑end bushings or a failing camber setting; a test‑drive should be used to listen for steering pull, clunking when turning, or a vibration that intensifies at higher speeds. The rear tyre warnings also merit checking for worn rear‑end bushings, rear‑axle alignment and the condition of the rear anti‑roll bar mounts. In addition to the tyres, examine the brake system for disc thickness and any scoring, and verify pad wear; a shudder or pulsation under braking is a sign of warped discs that may need resurfacing or replacement. Inspect the suspension for sagging coil springs, cracked or leaking shock absorbers, and deteriorated rubber bushes, especially at the front lower control arms and rear trailing arms, as these components are prone to fatigue at the current mileage. Verify the health of the 12‑volt battery, checking voltage and cranking performance, and confirm that the coolant, engine oil and brake fluid have been changed in line with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals – fluids can degrade even on a regularly driven car after five years. Finally, look for corrosion on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body, and ensure the service book shows regular oil changes, timing‑chain or belt service, and any previous major repairs, as these records will give confidence that the high‑mileage vehicle has been kept in a roadworthy state.