2003 Mercedes SL 5.4L Petrol · V9 REP

The 2003 Mercedes SL remains roadworthy on paper, with the most recent test on 26 March 2022 at 108,292 miles returning a pass and no defects recorded. The maintenance trend across the five-year MOT span is stable, showing no escalating faults and only minor consumable or wear advisories that were cleared or absent in later tests. The vehicle has not failed any recorded examination. Mileage accumulation is exceptionally low for a 23-year-old vehicle, rising from 106,583 miles at the 15 April 2018 test to just 108,292 miles by March 2022, an average of roughly 428 miles per year. The records show no gaps exceeding twelve months and a clean, linear pattern of light use, though the near-static odometer suggests prolonged standing periods that can degrade seals, tyres, and brake components through inactivity rather than wear. The 9 April 2021 test at 108,030 miles flagged a near-side exhaust minor gas leak, off-side front suspension arm ball joint with slight play, and front brake disc wear within limits. The subsequent 2022 pass with no defects implies these items were addressed or ceased to be notifiable. A buyer should physically verify the exhaust integrity for corrosion or recurring leaks, inspect the front suspension bushes and ball joints for play, and check brake disc condition given the earlier wear note. Given the low annual mileage and clean later record, previous ownership appears to have maintained basic statutory testing but the 2021 advisories show minor neglect was briefly present before correction. In-person inspection should prioritise underbody structural integrity and brake binding after standing, as the DVSA data alone cannot confirm dormant corrosion or seized calipers.