2002 Mercedes SLK 3.2L Petrol · XV02 SLB

The vehicle shows a history of low-mileage use but exhibits recurring signs of age-related degradation. In the most recent test in July 2022 at 65,844 miles, the car passed despite defective front exhaust mounts and a binding offside front service brake. The tester also noted corrosion across various underside areas, which is a common concern for a 24-year-old Mercedes-Benz. The presence of taped headlamps at that time suggests a non-standard approach to minor repairs, though these were likely addressed to secure the pass. The recorded mileage is exceptionally low for a 2002 model, averaging approximately 2,744 miles per year over the 24-year-old span. While this reduces mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, long periods of standing often lead to rubber degradation, fluid breakdown, and component seizing. Between 2019 and 2022, the car only covered 1,762 miles, which aligns with the report of binding brakes and components that suffer more from inactivity compared to high-mile use. Maintenance patterns reveal a consistent issue with tyre management. In the 2019 test at 64,082 miles, the vehicle failed because the offside windscreen wiper did not clear the screen, and the nearside rear tyre was at the 2mm limit. By the 2022 inspection, the wiper issue was resolved, but the structural corrosion remained a concern. The recurring mention of underside corrosion across multiple years warrants a thorough physical inspection of the chassis rails and suspension mounting points to ensure that the surface rust has not compromised the structural integrity of the vehicle.