2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · WR12 DAN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a reactive rather than proactive approach to repairs. While it passed the most recent test in December 2025 at 96,409 miles, this followed a failure just two days prior due to multiple critical safety defects. The trend shows instability in mechanical upkeep, particularly regarding the braking and suspension systems, with recurring advisories suggesting that component faults are only addressed once they reach the point of an inspection failure. At 96,409 miles, this 14-year-old Mercedes has averaged approximately 6,900 miles per year, which is consistent with low-mileage regional commuting. The mileage accumulation is steady, with roughly 9,000 miles covered between the December 2024 and December 2025 tests. However, the low annual mileage has not shielded the vehicle from age-related degradation, as evidenced by the persistent corrosion on brake lines and the fracturing of suspension components, which are common issues on cars of this era regardless of mileage-related wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking architecture. The nearside front brake pipe has been flagged for corrosion and obscured by grease since at least 2023, indicating a lack of preventative cleaning or replacement that masks fluid leaks. Furthermore, the 2024 failure revealed broken both front coil springs and worn ball joints on the anti-roll bar and lower suspension arm. While these were reportedly rectified, the buyer should check for secondary play or uneven wear in the remaining bushes. The fuel system should also be verified for leaks, as a failure was noted during the 2025 test prior to the pass.