2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 1.8L Petrol · TM03 KTM

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 22 September 2025, though two advisories were issued. These relate to an offside rear inner tyre with a minor sidewall cut not reaching the inner cords and central rear brake pipe corrosion coated in grease or other material. Looking back across the recorded history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with a slowly emerging pattern of advisories, particularly concerning brake pipe corrosion, which has now appeared in two consecutive tests covering both nearside front and central rear sections. The 2024 test also noted severely deteriorated dust covers on both front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, a minor but telling sign of age-related wear, while the 2023 and 2022 failures were both related to the windscreen washer system and accompanied by advisories regarding a worn front tyre and play in an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Overall, while the car continues to pass, the growing number of advisories suggests that attention to underbody corrosion, suspension linkages, and tyre condition is becoming increasingly relevant. With 98,807 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, this SLK has covered about 7,058 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its year and indicates regular but not heavy use. There are no significant gaps in the testing history suggesting prolonged standing, which is generally favourable for mechanical components prone to deterioration through inactivity such as seized calipers, perished rubber, and stale fluids. The mileage accumulation appears steady and progressive, meaning wear on major consumables like clutches, brake discs, and suspension bushes will reflect genuine road use rather than calendar-related neglect, though the latter still applies to age-sensitive items regardless of distance covered. The average mileage of around 7,000 miles per year means the vehicle has not been excessively worked, but at approaching 100,000 miles, attention should be directed towards major service intervals including timing chain, transmission fluid, and differential oil on this model. Prospective buyers should prioritise a thorough physical inspection given the recurring advisories. The brake pipe corrosion flagged at both the 2024 and 2025 tests warrants close examination of the full brake line network, particularly along the underbody and chassis rails, as corrosion progression can lead to fluid leaks and MOT failure if left untreated. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension that might indicate worn anti-roll bar linkages or the slight play previously noted in the lower suspension arm ball joints; uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inside edges, could confirm such wear. The front lower anti-roll bar linkage dust covers were noted as deteriorated in 2024, suggesting the ball joints may now be exposed to contaminant ingress and could require replacement sooner rather than later. Additionally, the sidewall damage noted on the offside rear tyre should prompt careful inspection of all four tyres for perishing, cracking, or bulges given the vehicle's age, and a check for any uneven wear patterns indicative of geometry or suspension issues. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants standard age-related due diligence. Although the annual mileage is moderate, a 2012 SLK will still be subject to calendar-based degradation of components regardless of distance travelled. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries typically require replacement every five to seven years, and the original unit would now be well beyond expected service life. Brake calipers can seize from infrequent heavy braking cycles typical of lower-mileage use, so check for any binding or uneven pad wear on a test drive. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be assessed for age rather than just condition, as Mercedes-Benz recommends periodic replacement regardless of mileage. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, or differential, and verify that the service history includes regular oil changes with the correct specification oil. The folding roof mechanism, a known wear item on the R172 SLK, should be operated fully to confirm smooth and complete operation, as hydraulic components and seals on these systems are expensive to rectify if found to be failing.