2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · SL68 HCG

A pattern of front-axle tyre wear is the defining mechanical theme across this Mercedes-Benz A-Class's MOT record. The most recent test on 26 February 2026 was recorded as a pass, but an advisory was issued for tyres worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge at both nearside and offside front positions, as well as the offside rear. The 2023 test carried a similar advisory for both front tyres, while the intervening 2022 and 2021 tests, and the 2024 test, were all clean with no advisories recorded. With five tests on file and no failures, the formal pass record is intact, but the recurrence of edge wear on the front axle is a genuine mechanical signal that warrants further physical inspection rather than being dismissed as routine. Recorded mileage stands at 89,148 miles against an eight-year-old vehicle, equating to roughly 11,144 miles per year on average, which sits broadly in line with typical annual usage for a car of its age. The mileage progression is fairly steady, with no dramatic spikes between tests and no multi-year lay-up period that would raise concerns about seized brakes, perished coolant hoses, or stale brake fluid. A 2018 A-Class covering this sort of mileage will have seen consistent wear on the usual consumables, and the pattern of testing roughly every twelve to fifteen months suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout its recorded life, which is mechanically preferable to long periods of standing. Because front-axle tyre wear has been flagged on more than one occasion, a test drive should include a careful listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as worn or perished suspension bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar drop links on the A-Class can show up as audible knocks and as uneven inner-edge or outer-edge tyre wear. Check that the steering pulls straight under steady braking and that the brake pedal feels firm without judder, since worn front discs can both shorten tyre life and produce a vibration through the steering wheel. On the test drive, pay attention to whether the car tracks straight on a flat road with hands off the wheel briefly; if it drifts, this can point to worn suspension geometry or bushes contributing to the edge-wear pattern observed at MOT. At the stationary inspection, look closely at the offside front tyre and the offside rear in particular, as these were specifically highlighted in the latest advisory, and check the sidewalls for uneven scuffing or feathering which would suggest an underlying alignment or suspension issue rather than simply driving style. Inspect the wheels for any kerbing damage that could be contributing to uneven contact, and ask for evidence that a four-wheel alignment has been carried out recently, given the recurring nature of the wear. Beyond the tyres, the record contains no advisories for brake component condition, corrosion, suspension components, or fluid leaks, so there are no specific items from the MOT file demanding urgent attention. Mechanically, the vehicle's documented roadworthiness is steady, but the buyer should treat the front-tyre wear pattern as a live issue rather than a resolved historical note.