2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 5.0L Petrol · WV52 WRJ

The Mercedes-Benz CLK presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past three years, with only one recent failure—an anomaly rather than a trend. The February 2026 MOT at 142,650 miles passed without defects, confirming the vehicle’s current compliance with legal standards. The July 2025 failure, also at a similar mileage (142,657), lacked recorded defects, suggesting a procedural or administrative issue rather than a mechanical one. Prior tests from 2024 and 2023 consistently passed with no advisories or faults, indicating that major structural or safety-critical components have not deteriorated unexpectedly. This consistency implies the vehicle has either been well-maintained by its previous owner or has benefited from benign usage conditions, though the lack of advisories does not preclude hidden wear in areas not routinely inspected. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging just under 6,000 miles per year—a figure more typical of a lightly used executive car than a daily driver. Between July 2022 (138,183 miles) and July 2023 (141,140 miles), the odometer advanced by only 2,957 miles over 12 months, followed by another minimal increase to 142,173 miles by July 2024. This stagnation suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which may have contributed to potential issues like seized bearings, degraded suspension bushes, or stiff brake calipers from disuse. The slight uptick to 142,657 miles by July 2025 and the subsequent minor rise to 142,650 miles by February 2026 further reinforce the pattern of sporadic, low-mileage operation. Such usage history can mask wear in components that rely on regular movement, such as ball joints or track rod ends. Given the absence of recorded faults or advisories, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension geometry and bushings, particularly the rear coil springs and anti-roll bar links, which may have stiffened due to inactivity. Binding calipers or uneven brake pad wear could also develop from infrequent use, so a brake system check—including fluid condition and disc surface inspection—is essential. Structural corrosion, while not flagged in MOTs, should be scrutinised under the sills, wheel arches, and exhaust mounting points, as rust can propagate undetected in a low-mileage vehicle. The exhaust system, though not mentioned in the records, may require verification for leaks or weakened mounts after years of potential moisture exposure. Finally, the absence of tyre-related advisories does not guarantee tread depth or condition; a close examination of all four tyres for cracking, separation, or uneven wear is advisable, given the car’s age and intermittent usage.