2003 Mercedes C 2.1L Diesel · SR03 LSN
2003 Mercedes C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 01/04/2003. Recorded mileage 151,393 miles. MOT status: Failed.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Dundee
- MOT Status
- Failed
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (17/02/2022)
- Recorded Mileage
- 151,393 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 2148cc
SR03 LSN Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 16/10/2021
- 151,393 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 11 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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SR03 LSN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes C (SR03 LSN) between October 2021 and October 2021.
The record contains 0 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 October 2021 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Coil spring mounting fractured both front (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Headlamp has a product on the light source so that the light output is severely reduced both front (4.1.4 (b))”; “Nearside Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))”.
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
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