2009 Mercedes CLK 1.8L Petrol · VD02 NEY

The most recent MOT test on 5 January 2026 initially resulted in a failure due to two major suspension defects, specifically an excessively worn offside front inner suspension arm ball joint and an offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with a deteriorated dust cover, before being rectified and presented for a re-test on the same date, which was recorded as a pass. Three advisories remained on the record from this test, relating to worn front upper Macpherson strut pins or bushes, light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber, and corrosion on the offside rear coil spring. Evaluating the broader trend, the maintenance pattern appears to be stable rather than deteriorating, though the vehicle has accumulated a notable history of suspension component wear and corrosion over the past four years, alongside brake and tyre advisories that suggest ongoing attention to consumables is required. The 2021 failure concerning parking brake inefficiency was an isolated incident and has not recurred, indicating it was likely rectified at the time rather than reflecting an ongoing systemic issue. At 127,134 miles over approximately seventeen years, this CLK has covered an average of around 7,478 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age, though it sits toward the lower end of average usage. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage history, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods, which is generally beneficial for preventing issues such as severe brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, and perishing of rubber components. The relatively modest annual mileage does, however, mean that some age-related degradation of components such as rubber bushes, coolant hoses, drive belts, and brake fluid will still have occurred regardless of the odometer reading, as these deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage alone. The recurring advisories for suspension components, including worn lower arm pins or bushes in 2025, worn upper Macpherson strut pins or bushes in 2026, and the failed offside front ball joint, point toward progressive wear of the front suspension geometry. On a test drive, the prospective buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or during low-speed manoeuvres, and pay attention to any vagueness in steering response, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or vibration through the steering wheel. The oil misting noted on the nearside rear shock absorber is currently minor but warrants monitoring, as shock absorbers tend to degrade progressively once seals begin to fail, leading to reduced damping efficiency, extended stopping distances, and a less settled ride over undulating surfaces. The corroded offside rear coil spring should also be examined closely, as severe corrosion can lead to coil fracture and potential tyre damage, and replacement of coil springs in pairs is generally advisable. Beyond the documented advisories, the rear brake pipe corrosion noted in 2022 and the brake pad wear advisories from 2023 and 2025 suggest that the braking system has required ongoing attention. A thorough inspection should include checking the rear brake pipes for any further corrosion, as aged metallic brake lines on a Mercedes-Benz of this vintage are susceptible to corrosion-related failure, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. The nearside front tyre wear pattern noted in 2022 should be re-examined, as uneven edge wear often indicates an underlying geometry or suspension fault. Given the calendar age of the vehicle, the buyer should also verify the condition of the timing chain if applicable to the engine variant, inspect all coolant and vacuum hoses for brittleness, check for oil leaks from the front and rear engine seals and the automatic transmission sump, and confirm the service history for regular replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid at their prescribed intervals, as Mercedes-Benz vehicles are particularly sensitive to extended fluid service intervals. A standing battery test is also recommended, as a seventeen-year-old original or replacement battery is likely approaching the end of its service life.