2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2.1L Diesel · RO59 CDO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding suspension geometry and alignment. While the car passed the November 2025 test at 128,586 miles, it failed just one day prior due to excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joints. The presence of slight play in the nearside front ball joint on the subsequent pass indicates that the repairs did not fully address the front end wear, suggesting a reactive rather than preventative approach to mechanical upkeep. At 128,586 miles, this ten-year-old Mercedes has covered a high distance, averaging approximately 12,800 miles per year. The data reveals a significant surge in usage between December 2023 and December 2024, where the vehicle clocked over 21,000 miles in just twelve months. This rapid mileage accumulation places considerable strain on drivetrain components and suspension bushings, which is consistent with the recurring failures noted in the ball joints and tyre wear across the last three MOT cycles. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the front suspension and alignment. The record repeatedly flags uneven tyre wear and inner-edge stepping in both 2023 and 2025, which points to persistent misalignment issues or worn control arm bushes. The buyer should also verify the condition of the brake system, as the 2023 failure noted pads worn to the indicators and thin discs. Given the high mileage and the history of ball joint play, a comprehensive check of the steering linkage and sub is essential to ensure no further structural failures are imminent.