2018 Mercedes-Benz C 3.0L Petrol · YY08 ABY

The most recent MOT on 29 June 2026 was passed, but it carried four advisories: the nearside front tyre is close to the legal tread limit and shows an edge‑wear cut, the nearside front shock absorber exhibits a light oil mist, the off‑side front service brake shows slight fluctuation, and the off‑side front inner brake disc is beginning to show pitting. Over the previous three years the pattern is mixed – the 2025 test repeated the tyre advisory and added a cut on the same tyre, while 2024 flagged the off‑side front tyre. Apart from the recurring tyre wear, no new serious defects have appeared, suggesting a generally stable maintenance record but with a clear need to address tyre and suspension wear before they become safety issues. At eight years old the car has logged 45 466 miles, equating to roughly 5 700 miles per annum – well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage. Prolonged standing can encourage brake disc rust, battery sulphation, and tyre rubber degradation, while the modest annual mileage means that consumables such as bushings, seals and fluid may have aged more than they have been exercised. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would indicate heavy short‑term abuse, but the low usage underscores the importance of checking components that deteriorate with time rather than distance. When you inspect the car, give the tyres the highest priority. Measure the tread depth on all four wheels; any reading below 3 mm, especially on the nearside front where edge wear and a cut have been noted, warrants immediate replacement. Look for cracking or dry‑rot on the sidewalls, which can develop even on low‑mileage tyres that have been stored for long periods. During a test drive, listen for any thumping or vibration that could indicate uneven tyre wear or a developing imbalance, and feel for a pull to one side that might reveal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Examine the front shock absorbers for any oil residue on the bodywork or dampening irregularities – a light mist of oil suggests seal wear that could progress to loss of damping and affect ride quality. Check the braking system thoroughly. With the off‑side front disc already showing pitting, assess both discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven thickness; a pulsating pedal or shudder when applying the brakes would confirm disc deterioration and the need for resurfacing or replacement. Verify that the brake pedal feels firm and that there is no excessive travel, as the advisory about service‑brake fluctuation could indicate a developing hydraulic issue or a binding caliper. Given the vehicle’s age and low use, have the 12 V battery tested for cranking amperage and inspect for any corrosion on terminals, and confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the manufacturer’s time intervals – fluids can degrade with time even if the car has not been driven far. A full visual inspection for rust on chassis mounting points and under‑body panels, together with a review of the service book for regular oil changes and any suspension component replacements, will give you a clear picture of the car’s overall mechanical health before you commit.