2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.6L Petrol · RO67 LVR

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 April 2026 resulted in a Pass, although four advisories were issued which a prospective buyer should not overlook. Two advisories relate to uneven inner-edge tyre wear on the offside front and offside rear wheels, alongside cracking or perishing noted on the offside rear tyre. The presence of inner-edge wear on both the front and rear axle on the same side is a recognised indicator of potential wheel alignment irregularities, worn or sagging suspension components such as coil springs, top mounts, or suspension bushes, or tracking misalignment following kerb impact. The perishing identified on the rear tyre further suggests age-related rubber degradation, which on a 2017 vehicle is entirely plausible given the calendar age of the rubber compound. A further advisory noted the offside rear direction indicator as slightly discoloured, a minor cosmetic observation but worth confirming has not progressed to a functional failure. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2020 with no failures recorded, which reflects a generally stable and consistent maintenance trend, albeit with an accumulating pattern of tyre wear advisories from 2024 onwards which suggests a gradual decline in tyre or suspension condition that warrants closer inspection. Against an age of approximately nine years, the recorded mileage of 58,657 miles equates to an annual usage of roughly 6,500 miles, which sits comfortably within typical parameters for a vehicle of this type and vintage. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage progression that would imply prolonged periods of standing, nor any rapid accumulation that would suggest heavy commercial or motorway use. This level of usage generally implies that major drivetrain components such as the engine, automatic transmission, and clutch (if applicable) should be in reasonable condition for the age, though consumable items such as brake pads, discs, and tyres will still have required periodic replacement and are subject to wear regardless of mileage. The relatively moderate annual mileage means the vehicle has likely been used regularly enough to avoid prolonged standing-related issues, but not so extensively that high-mileage wear concerns would be expected. From a buyer inspection perspective, the recurring inner-edge tyre wear advisories merit careful attention during a physical inspection and test drive. The prospective purchaser should examine all four tyres for uneven tread wear, paying particular attention to the inner shoulders which are notoriously difficult to inspect without turning the steering to full lock or jacking the vehicle. Uneven inner-edge wear that reappears on successive MOT tests despite tyre replacement may point to worn suspension bushes, sagging coil springs, or a persistent tracking issue that has not been rectified. On a test drive, any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps or uneven surfaces, vague or wandering steering behaviour, or a noticeable list to one side would warrant further investigation by a specialist. Additionally, the cracked rear tyre should be inspected for any bulging or sidewall weakness, and all four tyres should ideally be replaced as a matched set given the age of the original rubber. Beyond the specific advisories, a nine-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLA warrants several age-related inspections that may not be captured through MOT history alone. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance and state of charge, as auxiliary and comfort-system batteries on Mercedes vehicles of this era are known to fail without warning and can generate electrical faults. Brake discs should be examined for any corrosion ridges or lipping on the outer edges, particularly given that the vehicle may have sustained periods of lighter use where the brakes are prone to surface corrosion without regular high-speed application. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid should be checked for service history completeness, as Mercedes-Benz generally specifies extended-interval fluid changes that are often neglected by previous owners, particularly on time-based rather than mileage-based schedules. The exhaust system, including the centre and rear silencers along with mounting rubbers, should be inspected for corrosion at the joints and hangers, as these components are particularly vulnerable on a vehicle that has seen nine winters of road salt exposure. Finally, verifying a full and stamped service history, ideally by a Mercedes-Benz specialist or main dealer, would provide valuable confirmation that the vehicle has received the manufacturer-recommended maintenance throughout its life.