2004 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · SH54 LYR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend is clearly shifting towards worsening structural and mechanical degradation. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 139,659 miles, the report introduced a significant volume of advisories that were not present in previous years. This transition from a clean record in 2024 to a list of multiple developing faults indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related wear is overtaking preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,300 miles per year. Between November 2023 and November 2025, the car covered 28,864 miles, showing a steady rate of use. However, the lack of recorded defects between 2021 and 2024 suggests the vehicle was well-maintained or sheltered during that interval. The relatively low annual mileage does not protect the car from the effects of time, which has clearly contributed to the accelerated corrosion issues now visible on the chassis. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame and its mounting points, as the November 2025 test flagged corrosion that is not yet critical but is progressing. The presence of a corroded offside front brake pipe covered in grease is a concern, as grease often hides further degradation from the tester. Furthermore, the noted play in the steering rack inner joints and the offside front wheel bearing requires immediate attention to ensure steering precision and safety. Structural integrity remains the priority. The corrosion on the rear coil springs and the general underbody suggests that the protective undersealing is failing. The buyer should check the sills and undertrays for signs of perforation or surface rust bubbling before it reaches a point of structural failure. Given the recent influx of suspension and steering faults, the vehicle is likely to require investment in the near future to maintain its roadworthiness status.