2002 Mercedes-Benz C 3.2L Petrol · SB02 AMY

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of recurring component wear and age-related degradation. The most recent test in March 2023 at 165,035 miles passed with specific advisories for deteriorated rear brake hoses and misting on both front shock absorbers. While these issues did not result in a failure, they indicate that rubber components and damping seals are reaching the end of their functional life, requiring proactive replacement to prevent future failures. The mileage profile is consistent with a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,800 miles per year. There is a significant gap in recorded data between March 2023 and the present date, meaning the car has not been officially MOT tested for over three years. The low accumulation of only 3,347 miles between February 2022 and March 2023 suggests low-frequency use or periods of standing, which often leads to the swelling of brake seals and the drying of rubber bushings and hoses regardless of the low mileage driven. A buyer must focus their inspection on the braking and suspension systems, as the history reveals a persistent struggle with corrosion and play. The tester flagged corroded brake pipes in 2017 and 2018, while previous failures highlighted issues with wheel bearings, drag links, and steering joints. The recurring reports of uneven tyre wear in 2019 and 2021 suggest ongoing alignment issues or worn suspension geometry components that have not been fully rectified. A physical check of the structural integrity for rust and a test of the front shock absorbers is essential to ensure the noted misting has not compromised the vehicle's stability.