2005 Mercedes C 1.8L Petrol · YR05 KLO

The vehicle presents a worsening mechanical trend based on the most recent inspection data. While it passed the test on August 12 2023 at 104,778 miles, the tester identified multiple safety-related defects that were not present in the 2022 record. The transition from a clean certificate at 100,340 miles to a list of critical suspension and braking failures suggests that components are now reaching the end of their functional life due to age. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 104,778 miles represents a low average of approximately 5,000 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant drop in usage between September 2022 and August 2023, where the car covered only 4,438 miles in nearly a year. This low mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components and brake systems, which is supported by the reported perished tyres and deteriorated dust covers noted in the 2023 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering assembly. The 2023 record flagged play in the nearside front ball joint, a severely deteriorated offside front ball joint dust cover, and play within the steering rack inner joints. These issues indicate systemic wear across the front-end geometry that likely requires immediate replacement. Furthermore, the rear braking system requires urgent attention as the tester found thin pads and imbalanced braking performance that barely met the legal threshold. Structural integrity also warrants close monitoring due to the corrosion found on various rear suspension components in 2023. Although classified as not seriously weakened at that time, rust on a vehicle of this age and mileage tends to progress rapidly if not treated. Given that the last MOT was conducted in August 2023, the vehicle is now overdue for a test as of June 2026, making a fresh professional inspection mandatory to determine the current state of the chassis and mechanical assemblies.