2001 Mercedes CLK 2.0L Petrol · Y2 MSB

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 25 March 2026 at 71,907 miles, with two advisories for corrosion on the front sub-frame and fuel pipes—both non-critical but indicative of long-term neglect. The trend is not improving; corrosion issues have persisted and intensified over the last three tests, with the same components flagged repeatedly since 2023, suggesting the owner has not addressed underlying rust or fluid exposure. The fact that the car failed in June 2024 with four tyres beyond legal tread and multiple corroded brake pipes, then passed just six days later after repairs, implies only minimal remedial work was done—enough to pass, not enough to restore reliability. The recorded mileage of 71,907 over 25 years equates to roughly 2,876 miles annually, which is low for its age and suggests limited use. However, the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests shows no mileage change, indicating the car stood idle for nearly a year. This is concerning: prolonged inactivity accelerates rubber degradation, brake seizure, and fluid breakdown, which aligns with the tyre and brake pipe failures seen in 2024. The jump from 71,023 to 71,907 miles in just nine months is also inconsistent with the prior pattern, raising questions about whether the odometer was reset or if the vehicle was driven hard after a long lay-up. A buyer must inspect the front sub-frame and rear coil springs for structural rust—both have been flagged as corroded across three consecutive tests and are critical to handling and safety. The brake pipes, repeatedly noted as corroded since 2023, should be fully replaced, not just cleaned or patched; their failure would cause sudden brake loss. The fuel lines, now flagged in two recent tests, must be checked for leaks or brittle cracking, especially near the tank or engine bay. Tyres have been a recurring issue since 2023, with cracking and exposed cords—this points to age-related dry rot, not wear, meaning even if tread is legal, the rubber may be unsafe. The suspension arms, while not yet structurally compromised, show advanced corrosion and should be replaced before they fail on the road. Any test drive must include a full underbody inspection for rust progression and a brake system pressure test to detect hidden leaks.