2004 Mercedes E 2.6L Petrol · V66 PAT

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend reveals a persistent pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 76,951 miles passed, the history highlights long-term issues that have remained unresolved for years. Although the exhaust mounting failures noted since 2021 appear to have been addressed, the recurring oil leak from the gearbox sump area has appeared in every single test for five years, suggesting a slow leak that the owner has ignored despite multiple advisories. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. Between August 2021 and August 2022, the car covered only 1,018 miles, indicating long periods of inactivity or very short trips. This low usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear. The September 2025 test confirmed this risk by flagging a 15-year-old offside-front tyre and 9-year-old rear tyres, which are well beyond their structural life regardless of remaining tread depth. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the gearbox sump and surrounding seals to determine the extent of the persistent oil leak. Because the 2022 test specifically flagged a worn water pump pulley and engine vibration, the cooling system should be checked for signs of play or bearing failure. Given the history of undertrays obscuring the components, a detailed underside inspection is necessary to check for structural corrosion or further fluid ingress damage that may have been hidden from the tester during previous examinations.