2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · ST68 FLL

The latest MOT test on 26 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but the overall maintenance trend suggests a recurring neglect of tyre health and wheel geometry. While the vehicle has a consistent passing record, there is a persistent pattern of tyres being worn to the legal limit or perishing before being replaced, including a dangerous failure in 2021. The most recent advisory regarding uneven wear on both the inner and outer edges of the front tyres indicates a misalignment issue that has likely been present for some time without rectification. With 49,543 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,193 miles per year. This usage profile is typical for its age and suggests the car has not been subject to excessive wear or prolonged periods of standing. At this mileage, the primary mechanical concerns shift from heavy drivetrain wear to the degradation of rubber consumables and the natural aging of fluids and seals. A critical point of inspection for the buyer is the front-end alignment and tyre condition. The recorded wear on both edges of the front tyres is a strong indicator of incorrect tracking or potentially worn suspension bushes or ball joints. During a test drive, the buyer should check for any steering drift or a lack of centering in the steering wheel. Given the history of perishing and cracking on the rear tyres in previous years, a close physical inspection of the tyre sidewalls for hairline cracks is essential to ensure the rubber has not degraded due to age. Furthermore, the MOT history frequently notes that under trays and engine covers obscured the inspector's view, meaning that potential chassis corrosion or fluid leaks may have gone undetected during official tests. The buyer should ensure the vehicle is put on a lift to inspect the structural integrity of the underbody and check for oil leaks around the engine seals. Finally, because the annual mileage is relatively low, it is imperative to verify the service book for calendar-based maintenance, specifically ensuring that the brake fluid and coolant have been refreshed according to the manufacturer's time intervals rather than just mileage.