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2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.1L Diesel · RO18 SDY

RO18 SDY

2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA (2.1L, diesel). First registered 04 May 2018. Recorded mileage 107,165 miles. MOT valid until 10 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.

Make & Model
MERCEDES-BENZ CLA
Year / Origin
2018 · Reading
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 10 Dec 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
Recorded Mileage
107,165 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.1L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 10 Dec 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Dec 2026
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2018
Engine
2143cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A pattern of recent clean MOT results follows a period of intermittent failures related to lighting and tyre legality in 2023. While the vehicle passed its most recent test on 11 December 2025 with no defects recorded, the history shows a brief period of non-compliance regarding headlamp aim and tyre tread depth. The trend since those 2023 failures has been one of consistent passing without further advisories or defects, suggesting that the specific issues identified during that period were rectified. The vehicle has covered 107,165 miles over its eight-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 13,396 miles. This usage profile is higher than the UK average for a vehicle of this age, which typically implies more frequent wear on consumable components such as brake pads, discs, and suspension bushes. High-mileage vehicles often experience increased mechanical fatigue in drivetrain components and more frequent requirements for replacement of wear-and-tear items, though the lack of recent advisories suggests these have been addressed or are currently within acceptable tolerances. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the tyre and lighting issues noted in the 2023 records. Although the headlamp aim failure was resolved, it is worth verifying that the headlight adjustment mechanism operates smoothly and that there is no flickering or uneven beam pattern. Regarding the previous tyre failures, including a dangerous tread depth reading on the offside rear and a worn edge on the offside front, a test drive should be used to check for any residual steering pull or uneven tyre wear. Any pulling to one side at motorway speeds could indicate that the previous uneven wear has affected the wheel alignment or that suspension components like control arms or tie rods are beginning to show signs of wear. Given the high mileage, a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension is warranted. Listen for any rhythmic knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension bushings or dampers. Additionally, monitor the brake pedal feel for any vibrations or judder during deceleration, which may point to warped brake discs. While no oil leaks or structural corrosion were flagged in the recent history, the mileage level necessitates a close look at the engine bay for any evidence of weeping gaskets or fluid loss that may not have been significant enough to trigger an advisory during the last inspection.
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RO18 SDY Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 11/12/2025
  • 107,165 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data

RO18 SDY MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 28 Sept 2026, 13:25
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla (RO18 SDY) between August 2023 and December 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 11 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

RO18 SDY Mileage History

  1. 21/08/202389,991 mi
  2. 21/08/202389,991 mi
  3. 27/08/202496,894 mi+6,903 mi
  4. 08/09/2025105,649 mi+8,755 mi
  5. 11/12/2025107,165 mi+1,516 mi

Average of roughly 7,440 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
88
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
74/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,800
Mileage
At 107,165 miles against a model average...

Our Verdict

This 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.1 diesel i

Given that this CLA has covered roughly 107,000 miles in just over seven years, the annual average works out at around 14,000 miles per year — substantially higher than the 8,509-mile model average. This is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it means wear items such as dual-mass flywheels, EGR valves, turbochargers and injectors may be closer to requiring attention than on lower-mileage examples. Diesel CLA models are known for timing chain stretch on the OM651 engine, so a cold-start listening check is worthwhile, and any reference to rattle on startup should prompt a professional inspection.

When negotiating, factor in the cost of a timing chain replacement if there is no documentary evidence it has been done. Inspect the EGR valve and intake manifold for carbon build-up, which is common on high-mileage Mercedes diesels. The black paintwork will show swirl marks and stone chips more readily than lighter colours, so a thorough visual inspection under bright light is recommended. Check that all services have been carried out at the correct intervals and that any work on the AdBlue system has been documented, as these repairs can run into four figures.

The 2.1-litre diesel CLA typically returns 50-65 mpg on a combined cycle depending on driving style, making it economical for higher-mileage users like this one. Road tax for a 2018 diesel of this specification falls into a higher bracket than petrol equivalents due to current emissions-based VED rules, and buyers should confirm the exact band using the registration document. Insurance is likely to sit in group 25-30, which is moderate for a premium-badged saloon.

Estimated annual running costs for this vehicle, assuming moderate mileage of around 10,000-12,000 miles per year, would be approximately £1,400-£1,800. This covers fuel, road tax, insurance, routine servicing, and a contingency for wear items. Given the higher mileage already on this car, a realistic service budget including tyres, brakes and potential diesel-specific repairs should be considered. Mercedes-Benz servicing through a main dealer is pricier than independent specialists, but the latter can often handle routine items cost-effectively.

The single MOT failure on this vehicle was for headlamp aim being too low on both front lamps, recorded in August 2023. While this is a relatively trivial adjustment issue, it does suggest the headlamp alignment mechanism may have been disturbed or that suspension components could be worn, allowing the front end to sit lower than designed. Inspect the headlamp levelling mechanism and check for cracked or sagging springs, particularly at the front. When the lamps are illuminated, verify the beam pattern is symmetrical and adjusters are functioning correctly.

Top MOT failure reasons across the CLA range include tyres, brake pads and headlamp issues — all worth scrutinising on this specific car. Check tyre tread depth across all four wheels and look for uneven wear patterns, which can indicate tracking or suspension problems. Inspect brake disc surfaces for lipping and check pad thickness through the wheels. For this diesel variant specifically, lift the bonnet and look for oil leaks around the turbo and oil filter housing, as these are known weak points on the OM651 engine. A compression test or professional diagnostic scan can reveal early signs of timing chain stretch.

This CLA has recorded five MOT tests since 2023, passing four of those with no advisories and failing one on a minor headlamp aim issue at 89,991 miles. The current odometer reads 107,165 miles, which is notably higher than the model average annual mileage of 8,509. The diesel 2.1-litre engine variant is common in the CLA range and benefits from Mercedes' established diesel engineering. Overall, the documented MOT outcomes are favourable, though the mileage places this car well above typical examples of the same age.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA shows an MOT pass rate in line with class averages for premium saloons of this age, with the most common failure points being tyres, brake pads and headlamp issues — all routine wear items rather than structural concerns.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns