2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 3.2L Petrol · RV04 HBD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation and mechanical neglect. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 82,886 miles passed, it followed a significant failure in May 2024 where multiple critical systems were flagged. The record shows that while immediate faults like the ABS lamp and engine management issues were addressed, the underlying structural corrosion on the sub-frame and body structure persists, suggesting that the use of underseal is masking rather than curing rust-related failures. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,768 miles per year. There is a notable gap in usage between May 2023 at 73,256 miles and August 2024 at 74,853 miles, where the car sat for over a year with minimal movement. This pattern of low use often correlates with the mechanical issues observed in the record, such as the binding offside front brake and the defective exhaust mounts identified during the 2024 failed test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension points. The tester consistently noted corrosion on suspension component mounting areas and the sub-frame across 2022, 2024, and 2025. Particular attention is required for the nearside rear upper suspension mount, which suffered a fracture in 2024. Furthermore, the front shock absorbers show external damage and the rear units are heavily corroded, indicating that the suspension components are nearing the end of their functional life despite the low mileage.