2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · YA68 EXR

A pattern of front-tyre wear and a single mirror-related failure define the mechanical history of this 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, with the remaining components showing a generally stable roadworthiness record. Across seven recorded MOT entries spanning December 2021 to December 2025, the vehicle has passed five tests cleanly, failed twice, and carried a handful of advisories almost exclusively concerning tyre condition. The most recent test on 12 December 2025 recorded a pass with no defects, continuing the clean trend established by the previous pass on 20 December 2024. That 2024 pass, however, came only four days after a failure on 16 December 2024, where the nearside front obligatory mirror was deemed to no longer provide a view to the rear and was classified as a major defect, alongside a slightly damaged mirror minor. The 2021 failure is the more serious of the two, with a dangerous nearside front tyre exposing ply or cords on the outer wall, an immediate road safety concern at any speed. Taken together, the record suggests a vehicle that has remained broadly compliant at test but with consistent front-tyre management issues and one significant mirror defect that has since been rectified. With 48,698 miles recorded across an eight-year-old vehicle, the mileage equates to roughly 6,087 miles per year, which is broadly in line with typical UK usage for a car of this age and class. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently taking place in December from 2021 through 2025, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout this period. Mileage has therefore accumulated steadily rather than in sudden bursts, which means wear on consumable items such as brake pads and discs, tyres, and suspension bushes is likely to be progressive and proportionate. This pattern works in the buyer's favour when assessing clutch or drivetrain longevity on the automatic transmission, as steady urban and mixed-use mileage tends to be less punishing on those parts than prolonged high-mileage motorway running. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection around the front axle and nearside front bodywork, given the recurrence of nearside front tyre wear advisories in 2022, three repeat advisories during the 2024 failure, and the dangerous nearside front tyre condition recorded in December 2021. On the test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over bumps or when traversing speed cushions, which could indicate worn suspension arms, control arm bushes, or anti-roll bar links. Steering feel should be checked for any pulling to one side or vibration through the wheel, particularly under braking, as uneven tyre wear on the nearside front can be symptomatic of misalignment, worn suspension geometry components, or a binding brake caliper. Visually inspect the nearside front tyre shoulder and outer edge specifically, and compare its tread depth and wear pattern directly against the offside front tyre to identify whether the wear is positional only or systemic across the axle. The mirror defect from the 2024 failure is unlikely to recur provided the nearside front door mirror has been replaced, but it remains worth confirming on the day that the mirror housing provides an unobstructed rearward view from the normal seating position and that there is no looseness or vibration in the mirror glass at speed. Given the repeated front-tyre advisories, a four-wheel alignment check should be considered, as camber or tracking irregularities will continue to consume front tyres prematurely regardless of brand or replacement interval. With around 6,000 miles of average annual use, the braking system is unlikely to require immediate attention but should be inspected for disc lipping, pad material remaining, and any corrosion on calipers or flexible brake hoses, particularly on the nearside front where the advisory pattern has been concentrated. Finally, confirm that the dashboard warning lamps illuminate and extinguish correctly on ignition, that the automatic transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation or shunt, and that the climate control and infotainment systems operate without fault, as electrical faults in Mercedes-Benz A-Class vehicles of this generation are not uncommon and would not be captured within MOT scope.