2001 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Petrol · Y158 BAH
2001 Mercedes-Benz C (2.0L, petrol). First registered 16 Jul 2001. Recorded mileage 83,338 miles. MOT expired on 04 Mar 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 04 Mar 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 83,338 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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Y158 BAH Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/03/2025
- 83,338 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y158 BAH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Mercedes-Benz C (Y158 BAH) between November 2021 and March 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 38 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (14 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 38 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Y158 BAH Mileage History
- 16/11/202173,467 mi
- 19/12/202275,886 mi+2,419 mi
- 05/03/202480,800 mi+4,914 mi
- 04/03/202583,338 mi+2,538 mi
Average of roughly 2,994 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is relatively low for a 2001 model, this vehicle shows a long-term pattern of deferred maintenance and recurring mechanical issues that will require immediate investment.
If you are considering this vehicle, you must budget significantly for immediate repairs. The engine management light has been a recurring issue since at least 2019, and the presence of multiple oil leaks (gearbox and rear differential) suggests seals are failing. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the inevitable suspension work, as the MOT history shows a chronic pattern of worn bushes and ball joints.
Check for a comprehensive service history to see if the recurring oil leaks have ever been addressed professionally. Given the 'engine light on' advisory in the most recent test, a diagnostic scan is mandatory before purchase. Furthermore, inspect the underside for the extent of the corrosion mentioned on the nearside rear quarter panel, as structural rust can be a dealbreaker on a vehicle of this age.
Running costs for this 2.0L petrol Mercedes will be moderate but potentially unpredictable due to its maintenance state. Fuel economy for a 2001-era 2.0L engine is typically around 28-34 MPG, and as a petrol model, it should fall into a relatively reasonable insurance group and tax band compared to larger displacement models.
However, typical maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the age-related degradation of rubber components (tyres, bushes, and hoses) and the ongoing oil leaks. Expect to spend more on frequent repairs to the suspension and exhaust system. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and a contingency for repairs, would be approximately £1,400-£1,800.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system. The MOT history shows a repetitive failure and advisory pattern regarding suspension arm bushes, ball joints, and coil springs (notably a fractured spring in 2020 and broken springs in 2015). Check for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps.
Secondly, examine the leaks. The vehicle has a documented history of oil leaks from the gearbox and the rear differential dating back to 2017. Look for fresh oil residue on the underside of the engine bay and near the rear axle. Finally, inspect the exhaust system and the nearside rear quarter panel; the MOT history notes both a broken exhaust mount and progressing corrosion/holes in the bodywork.
This 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presents a classic case of low mileage masking significant neglect. Despite having only covered 83,338 miles since July 2001, the MOT history reveals a persistent cycle of oil leaks, suspension wear, and exhaust degradation. The most recent MOT shows an active engine management light and ongoing corrosion, suggesting the car has not been maintained to the standard expected of a premium marque.
While Mercedes-Benz models of this era are generally regarded as robust, this specific vehicle's history shows significant deviations from standard reliability due to maintenance patterns.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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