2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.6L Petrol · WD67 HSG

A pattern of tyre wear and a single minor failure sit at the centre of this A-Class's MOT record, with no structural corrosion, exhaust, or suspension advisories recorded across eight tests between 2021 and early 2026. The most recent examination on 5 February 2026 returned a Pass, but only after advisories were issued for both front and rear tyres being worn to the edge with negligible tread remaining (5mm fronts down to zero edges, rears at 2mm edges). This is a recurring theme, as a nearside front tyre was flagged in March 2023 for cracking and perishing, suggesting that rubber wear and degradation have been a persistent area of attention rather than a one-off observation. The only outright failures were a non-functional offside front windscreen washer in January 2024 and a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system in March 2023, both relatively straightforward items rather than indicators of deeper mechanical deterioration. The trend over the last three tests is broadly stable, with brake-related advisories from 2021 not reappearing in subsequent records, while tyre condition has remained a watchpoint. With 52,204 miles recorded over an eight-year life, this A-Class averages approximately 6,500 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical band for a vehicle of its age and does not point to unusually heavy motorway use or extended periods of inactivity. The mileage progression between tests is steady, with no sudden jumps that would suggest a discrepancy in the recorded odometer reading. Importantly, the car has been tested annually without any multi-year gaps, indicating continuous road use rather than a lay-up scenario, which reduces the likelihood of dormant issues such as seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, or 12V battery degradation from extended standing. At this annual mileage, wear on consumable items such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and wiper blades should track broadly in line with the advisories already recorded, rather than suggesting accelerated component fatigue from excessive use. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to inspect on a physical walkaround are the four tyres and the wheels, given the edge-wear pattern flagged in February 2026. Edge wear on both axles can indicate incorrect tracking or camber geometry, suspension bush wear, or simply a failure to rotate tyres regularly, so it is worth examining the sidewalls for uneven feathering across the tread face and checking that the tyres are of matching makes and sizes on each axle. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the lower wishbones and anti-roll bar links, which are common wear points on Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era, and pay attention to any steering pull or vibration that could suggest the tracking issue contributing to the edge wear. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive; any judder under braking or a grinding sensation could indicate that the front discs, which were flagged as pitted and scored in 2021, have deteriorated further since then despite no re-advisory, and a visual check through the wheel spokes for lipping on the disc edges would be prudent. Given that a tyre pressure monitoring system fault was recorded in 2023, it is worth confirming with the seller that the system is currently functioning, either through the dashboard indicator or by manually checking pressures against the recommended values on the B-pillar sticker and ensuring the warning light extinguishes after the reset procedure. The absence of any advisories relating to corrosion on structural items such as the subframe, brake pipes, or suspension mounting points is a positive observation for a 2018 model, particularly given Mercedes-Benz concerns from this period regarding adhesive quality on certain components, though no such issues appear in the test record. The two recorded failures (washer and TPMS) are both inexpensive items to remedy, and the current advisory-level tyre wear suggests that budgeting for a full set of replacement tyres is the most pressing mechanical consideration. Overall, the record presents a vehicle whose MOT outcomes have been predominantly clean across its tested life, with the main forward-looking concerns centred on tyre condition and geometry rather than any deeper structural or mechanical deterioration.