2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L Diesel · WX68 WAO

The most recent MOT test on 2025-06-05 confirms the vehicle passed with no defects recorded at 165,807 miles, indicating a stable roadworthiness status at the time. However, the immediate preceding history reveals two consecutive failures in early 2024—on 2024-02-06 and 2024-04-03—both at over 165,000 miles, before passing again in April 2024 and June 2025. While the failures lack specific defect details, the pattern suggests either a prolonged period of neglect or intermittent issues that required correction before each retest. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the last two passes implies any problems were resolved, but the gap between failures—just 60 days apart—raises questions about whether underlying issues were addressed comprehensively or if the vehicle was merely driven until the last possible moment before retesting. The recorded mileage of 165,807 miles over eight years equates to an average of approximately 20,726 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. This rate suggests consistent heavy use, potentially accelerating wear on critical components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain elements. Notably, there is a significant mileage jump between the 2022 test at 139,506 miles and the first failure in early 2024, covering over 26,000 miles in just under two years—a period with no MOT record. This gap could indicate either a lack of regular maintenance or a deliberate avoidance of testing, which may have allowed minor issues to escalate. The recent tests, however, show no evidence of major structural or safety-critical failures, though the rapid mileage accumulation warrants scrutiny of high-wear parts. Given the lack of specific defect details in the failures, an in-person inspection should prioritise the suspension system, particularly the condition of rear axle bushes and coil springs, which are common failure points in high-mileage Sprinters. The braking system should be thoroughly checked for uneven wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on discs and callipers, especially if the vehicle was driven through wet or salted conditions. Structural integrity is also worth assessing, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody, for signs of corrosion or damage that could compromise safety. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not preclude hidden issues, so attention to fluid levels (brakes, power steering, coolant) and the integrity of hoses and belts is essential. The engine bay should be inspected for leaks or unusual wear, as prolonged neglect could have led to undocumented failures.