2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.1L Diesel · SO12 FHA

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of deteriorating front-end suspension components. The most recent test in May 2026 at 127,436 miles identified slight play in both front anti-roll bar ball joints. This specific issue was previously flagged as an advisory in the February 2025 test at 111,401 miles, indicating that while the car passed, the owner has neglected to proactively replace these worn parts over the intervening fifteen-month period. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,100 miles per year. There was a significant period of use covering 17,369 miles between September 2023 and February 2025, followed by another 16,035 miles in the sixteen months leading up to the May 2026 test. This regular usage suggests the car is driven frequently, which explains the steady wear on consumables like tyres, rubber-mounted bushes, and brake pads as noted throughout the DVSA records. A buyer should conduct a close inspection of the front suspension geometry, as recurring reports of worn arm bushes and anti-roll bar ball joints suggest a need for a comprehensive steering overhaul soon. The history of uneven tyre wear noted in 2021 and 2025 also points to potential alignment issues or worn suspension dampers that require verification. Given that the front brake pads were noted as thin in early 2025, the current state of the pads must be measured to ensure they are not nearing the end of their life.