2004 Mercedes-Benz ML 2.7L Diesel · YN04 TCV

This 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML presents a notably clean DVSA roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 19 November 2025 returning a pass and no defects recorded, and the three preceding annual examinations on 3 December 2024, 11 December 2023, and 19 January 2022 also all resulting in clean passes. The single failure entry on 19 January 2022 carries no recorded defect categories, which is unusual and may indicate a tester-cancelled retest or an administrative outcome rather than a mechanical non-compliance, but the immediate retest on the same date passing cleanly reinforces the view that no serious structural or safety defects were identified during that cycle. Across the visible testing history, the absence of any advisories relating to corrosion, suspension components, brake pipes, exhaust integrity, or lighting is a positive indicator for a vehicle of this age, where one would typically expect at least minor advisories on bushes, brake discs, or underbody components after more than two decades of service. Recorded mileage stands at 177,256 miles across approximately 22 years of use, giving an annual accumulation rate of around 8,057 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle that has seen regular service as a family or utility vehicle rather than one confined to low-mileage leisure use. There are no extended gaps in the testing record suggestive of long-term standing, which means the ML has likely been exercised consistently throughout its life, supporting fluid circulation through the drivetrain and reducing the risk of seized calipers, perished seals, and dormant electrical faults associated with prolonged storage. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent with normal usage rather than any anomalous spikes, and there is no evidence of clock irregularities or significant under-recording across the documented entries. For a high-mileage SUV of this vintage, regular exercise is mechanically beneficial provided that consumables and service items have been attended to outside of the MOT testing regime. From a buyer-inspection standpoint, the absence of flagged advisories means there is no specific component history to target, but the age and mileage profile warrant close attention to areas that commonly wear on the ML-Class platform, particularly the front suspension upper and lower control arm bushes, the front coil springs, and the anti-roll bar drop links, which tend to perish and develop play on high-mileage examples. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering, and check for uneven tyre wear which can indicate worn suspension geometry. The braking system should be assessed for pedal firmness and any pulling to one side under heavy application, as binding calipers and worn front discs are common service items on this model at this mileage, and a thorough inspection of the discs and pad material thickness is advisable. The underbody and structural elements deserve particular scrutiny given the vehicle's age, even though no corrosion advisories were raised, as areas around the front subframe mounting points, brake and fuel pipe runs along the chassis rails, and the rear coil spring platforms can develop surface or structural corrosion that may not yet have been flagged. Inspect for any signs of oil seepage from the engine sump, valve cover gasket, and the transfer case or differential seals, as these are common seep points on high-mileage Mercedes SUVs. Additionally, verify the operation of the air suspension components if fitted, as the ML-Class was offered with Airmatic suspension on certain variants, and check for the function of all electronic systems including the instrument cluster, climate control, and seat adjusters, which are known to develop faults with age. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles would be prudent to confirm the condition of items not covered by the MOT test.