1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito 2.3L Diesel · S591 CWV

The Mercedes-Benz Vito achieved a clean pass at its latest MOT on 24 March 2022 at 134,641 miles, a result now over four years old relative to today's date in July 2026, with the tester logging no defects. The upkeep pattern remains mechanically stable across the sparse record, yet the van failed the tests on 21 March 2022 and 11 December 2020 before passing three days later with no faults noted. That repeat fail-retest cycle points to administrative or undocumented non-mechanical causes rather than a worsening condition. Recorded mileage shows exceptionally light use for a 1998 vehicle. Between 4 December 2015 and 11 December 2020 the odometer advanced from 132,882 to 134,314 miles, a gain of just 1,432 miles across five years. A further 327 miles accrued by the March 2022 test. The average of roughly 4,800 miles per annum masks long stationary periods that heighten risk of perished seals and tyre degradation. Only five MOT entries exist, all showing zero advisories, and the record stops in 2022, leaving recent condition unknown. A buyer must still commission a physical inspection despite the unblemished sheets. The tester never flagged suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs or structural corrosion, but a 28-year-old chassis with intermittent use will hide such faults. Examine subframe mounts and sills for rust, probe front suspension arms for worn bushes, and free off any binding rear calipers caused by inactivity. Tyres likely exhibit sidewall cracking irrespective of tread depth. The unexplained failures in 2020 and 2022 require scrutiny of the full DVSA failure codes, as no defects appear in this summary. Previous owners skipped regular testing between 2015 and 2020, implying the van sat unused rather than received diligent care. Verify exhaust emissions and lighting function before purchase, and budget for consumables aged beyond their service life.