2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Body structure rust or damage3.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  12.7% All 2002 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  16.3% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Chassis rust or damage2.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  10.8% All 2002 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  14.1% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 3.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Number plate lights2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  14.7% All 2002 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  26% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  21% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?