2002 Mercedes SLK 2.0L Petrol · YJ52 SDH

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical wear despite the low annual mileage. The most recent test in April 2026 at 49,922 miles identified slight play in both the nearside and offside front wheel bearings alongside a persistent oil leak. These wheel bearing issues were already present during the previous year test at 48,831 miles, indicating that the defect is progressing rather than being addressed over the last twelve months. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 49,922 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 2,080 miles per year. This low usage suggests the car has sat for long periods, which explains the age-related degradation observed. Between January 2022 and April 2026, the vehicle covered only 4,751 miles, yet the tester found corrosion on the exhaust and brake pipes. The 2024 report of perishing and cracking across all four tyres is a classic symptom of low-use vehicles where rubber degrades due to time rather than tread wear. A buyer must personally inspect the front suspension and braking system due to the recurring reports of wheel bearing play and thinning pads. The corroded front brake pipe noted in 2023 requires a close look to ensure structural integrity has not been compromised by deep rust. Furthermore, the persistent oil leak that has been flagged in three consecutive tests should be traced to its source to determine if it is a minor gasket seep or a more significant component failure that could lead to engine damage if left ignored.