1999 Mercedes C 2.2L Diesel · V173 ABD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a pattern of intermittent neglect followed by reactive repairs. The most recent test in February 2023 at 24,856 miles resulted in an initial failure due to an ABS warning lamp indicating a fault. While the vehicle passed upon re-test, the presence of this electronic fault suggests that critical safety systems are only addressed when they fail an inspection rather than through a proactive service schedule. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 27-year-old vehicle, averaging fewer than 950 miles per year. There is a significant eleven-year gap between the March 2010 test and the May 2021 test, during which the car covered only 16 miles. This extreme low usage suggests the vehicle sat stationary for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and fluid chemistry. The 2021 record confirmed this concern by flagging perishing tyres and rusty brake discs, typical symptoms of a car that sits withoutused. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the braking system and all rubber-related suspension components. The 2021 advisory regarding a cracked offside front tyre and a worn nearside front tyre indicates that the rubber has perished due to age rather than tread wear. Given the long periods of inactivity, the inspector should check for seized brake calipers, perished suspension bushings, and cracking in the brake lines. The previous ABS failure in 2023 also requires verification to ensure the sensors and control module remain functional, as these are prone to corrosion and electrical failure when vehicles remain stationary.