2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC 1.8L Petrol · ST59 FMM

The most recent MOT test on 2024-08-02 resulted in a clean pass, marking a significant improvement over the previous two years, where the vehicle failed multiple times due to critical failures in lighting, tyre safety, suspension components, and structural wheel fixings. While the 2023 MOT showed persistent minor exhaust leaks and a near-failure in headlamps and tyres, the 2024 test indicates a positive maintenance trend, with no defects recorded and the absence of recurring major issues. However, the earlier failures highlight a history of wear-related failures in suspension ball joints and coil springs, suggesting underlying mechanical fatigue that may require closer attention. The advisory on the 2023 test regarding the offside front suspension arm ball joint being excessively worn—now corrected—signifies that while the vehicle has been brought up to roadworthiness, the underlying wear pattern demands proactive servicing to prevent recurrence. The recorded mileage of 86,555 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 17 years represents a relatively low annual mileage of around 5,091 miles, which is unusual for a car of this age and model. Such low usage often correlates with periods of prolonged inactivity, potentially leading to issues such as standing corrosion, particularly in brake systems, wheel fixings, and exhaust components. The absence of higher mileage accumulation suggests that while the vehicle may have been driven sparingly, it has not undergone the typical wear and tear associated with higher annual mileage. However, this could also imply that the vehicle has been stored under less-than-ideal conditions, exacerbating wear from lack of movement, which is critical to monitor for in the suspension, tyres, and fluid systems. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing concerns stem from the historical suspension failures, particularly the fractured near-side front coil spring and severely worn ball joints, which are indicative of advanced mechanical fatigue. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when driving over bumps, as this may signal further wear in the arms or bushings. Inspect the front suspension for excessive play in the ball joints, which could lead to steering instability or uneven tyre wear. Additionally, the previous tyre failures—including exposed cords and tread depths below legal limits—highlight the need for a thorough tyre inspection, including checking for uneven wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension misalignment. The missing wheel fixings from earlier MOTs suggest that the vehicle may have suffered from loose or damaged wheel studs, which, if not addressed, could compromise structural integrity and safety. Beyond mechanical checks, given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, there are several practical areas to verify to ensure long-term reliability. Begin with a visual inspection of the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations. Check the 12V battery for signs of corrosion on terminals or a sluggish cranking performance, as standing vehicles can lead to battery degradation. Inspect the brake system for corrosion on discs or binding calipers, particularly on the near-side front, where earlier advisories were noted. Fluid checks should include the brake fluid reservoir, which should be topped up and tested for contamination or moisture buildup, as standing fluids can degrade over time. The exhaust system, despite the minor leaks noted in earlier tests, should be examined for further corrosion or structural damage, especially around the rear tailbox area, where repairs may have been made. Finally, verify that the service history is up to date, particularly for the suspension components and fluid servicing intervals, as the Mercedes-Benz CLC’s 2009 model year may require specific maintenance schedules for long-term reliability.