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2004 Mercedes SL 3.7L Petrol · V7 PDH

V7 PDH

2004 Mercedes SL (3.7L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2004. Recorded mileage 52,152 miles. MOT valid until 04 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.

Make & Model
MERCEDES SL
Year / Origin
2004 · Worcester
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 04 Jul 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
Recorded Mileage
52,152 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 3.7L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 04 Jul 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Oct 2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2004
Engine
3724cc
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V7 PDH Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 06/07/2026
  • 52,152 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring windscreen items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

V7 PDH MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 6 Sept 2026, 15:18
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mercedes Sl (V7 PDH) between June 2024 and July 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 06 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))”; “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

V7 PDH Mileage History

  1. 25/06/202449,776 mi
  2. 25/06/202449,776 mi
  3. 10/06/202550,897 mi+1,121 mi
  4. 06/07/202652,152 mi+1,255 mi
  5. 06/07/202652,152 mi

Average of roughly 1,171 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

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9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
68/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£2,500-£3,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 52,152 is signif...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution but generally a sol

Given the low mileage of this 3.7L petrol model, your primary focus should be on ensuring that the vehicle has not suffered from 'age-related' deterioration due to infrequent use. Check the condition of all rubber components, such as hoses and seals, as the 2026 MOT noted cracking on a nearside front tyre.

When inspecting, verify that the windscreen washer system is fully functional and that all external lighting, specifically the registration plate lamp, has been addressed following the 2026 failure. Because a brake pipe corrosion issue was noted in 2024, you should inspect the underside of the car for any signs of further oxidisation on the braking system lines.

This is a high-capacity 3724cc petrol engine, which will result in relatively high fuel consumption and significant road tax costs compared to standard vehicles. You should expect higher-than-average insurance groups due to the vehicle's performance profile and age.

Maintenance costs for a luxury grand tourer of this era can be substantial, particularly if issues arise with the complex convertible roof mechanism or electronic systems. Budget for premium tyres and high-quality fluids to maintain the vehicle's standard.

Specifically inspect the tyres for signs of perishing or sidewall cracking, as this was a recorded failure in the July 2026 MOT. You should also test the windscreen washer jets to ensure they are properly aligned and providing sufficient pressure, addressing the faults noted in both 2024 and 2026.

Crucially, perform a thorough check of the brake pipes. The 2024 MOT recorded corrosion starting around the offside front brake pipe; ensure this has been professionally treated or replaced and that no new corrosion is evident. Finally, check all exterior lighting, including the registration plate lamps, to ensure they meet current MOT standards.

This 2004 Mercedes SL presents with significantly low mileage for its age, sitting at 52,152 miles as of July 2026. The MOT history shows a pattern of minor, non-mechanical failures, including tyre condition, washer jets, and lighting. While it has had two MOT failures in the last three years, these appear to be related to consumable items and minor upkeep rather than significant component failures.

No aggregate reliability data is currently available for this specific Mercedes SL model.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns