2004 Mercedes CLK 3.2L Petrol · WJ04 ASH

The vehicle presents a generally stable maintenance profile, evidenced by a clean pass in the most recent May 2026 test at 110,305 miles. This followed a failure earlier that same day due to rear brake pads wearing down to the indicator level. While the most recent inspection shows no remaining defects, the history indicates a pattern of reactive maintenance rather than proactive servicing, particularly regarding consumables like brake pads and tyres. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a 2004 vehicle, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. The record shows steady, incremental growth, such as the 1,105-mile increase between the May 2025 test at 109,200 miles and the May 2026 test at 110,305 miles. This low annual usage suggests the car spends significant time stationary, which can sometimes lead to perished rubber components or seized calipers, though the recent brake pad failure is a standard wear issue. A buyer should focus physical inspections on the suspension and steering systems. The April 2024 test at 108,894 miles flagged play in the offside track rod end and worn front suspension arm bushes on both sides. Although these were cleared for the subsequent pass, the recurrence of suspension-related issues in the past, including a broken offside front coil spring in May 2017, suggests these components may require monitoring. The history also shows intermittent issues with the supplementary restraint system (SRS) warning lamp, appearing in both May 2017 and April 2024. This indicates a recurring electronic fault within the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system that requires verification to ensure it has been fully rectified. Checking the condition of all rubber bushings and checking for any signs of corrosion on the underbody would be prudent given the vehicle's age and low-use profile.