2003 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · SR03 LSN
2003 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 18 Apr 2003. MOT status: Failed. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Dundee
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Failed
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (17 Feb 2022)
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
This vehicle has not had an MOT in the past 5 years. Mechanical analysis was skipped.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SR03 LSN Key Findings
- No MOT test records found for this registration
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise caution with this high-mileage diesel. While the C-Class is generally robust, the high mileage and gaps in recent data suggest the need for a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase.
When inspecting a 2003 diesel C-Class with this mileage, your priority should be the condition of the turbocharger, fuel injectors, and cooling system. Ask for a comprehensive service history to ensure that oil changes have been performed regularly, as these are critical for the 2.2L engine. Check for any signs of oil leaks around the engine or gearbox, which are common on vehicles of this age.
Negotiate based on the high mileage and the fact that the last recorded MOT was from several years ago. You should request a fresh MOT before purchase to determine the current state of the underbody and safety components. If the car has not been tested recently, consider a professional independent vehicle inspection to check for hidden mechanical faults.
The 2.2cc diesel engine is relatively efficient for long journeys, but maintenance costs may be higher due to the vehicle's age. You should expect typical tax rates for an older diesel Mercedes, though insurance groups can vary significantly based on your personal profile.
Annual running costs are estimated to be between £1,200 and £1,600, accounting for fuel, tax, and the likelihood of unexpected repairs on a high-mileage diesel.
Pay close attention to the suspension, as suspension arms are identified as a top reason for MOT failures for this model. Look for excessive play in the steering or knocking noises when driving over bumps. Additionally, check the tyres for uneven wear, as these are also frequent failure points across the aggregate data for this vehicle type.
Inspect the headlamps for alignment issues, as these are common failure reasons. Given the 2021 failure where no specific defects were listed, it is vital to check the brake lines and emission systems manually to ensure they haven't deteriorated since the last recorded test.
This 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has covered over 151,000 miles as of its 2021 test, which is significantly higher than the fleet average of 7,583 miles per year. The most recent MOT record shows a failure in 2021 with no recorded defects, indicating potential mechanical issues during testing. Given its age and mileage, the vehicle represents a value proposition that carries inherent risks of wear on major components.
The Mercedes C-Class of this era generally has a reputation for durability, but high-mileage examples often face suspension and electronic wear.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
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