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H42 COT

1990 Mercedes-benz 260

Silver Petrol 2599cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires17 Sep 2026
Tests26 (20 pass, 6 fail)
Pass rate76.9%

Mileage

205,066 mi
Last recorded205,066 miles
Recorded on12 Sep 2025
Typical for 1990 Mercedes-benz 260116,023 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationH42 COT
MakeMercedes-benz
Model260
Year1990
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,599cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 6 fail
Pass 12 Sep 2025 205,066 miles
Pass 16 Sep 2024 205,016 miles
Pass 18 Sep 2023 204,967 miles
Pass 2 Sep 2022 204,912 miles
Pass 6 Sep 2021 204,833 miles
Pass 13 Aug 2020 204,807 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Joint has rusted through. (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration (8.2.1.2 (g))

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine area offside drips from sump and bell housing. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 20 Aug 2019 204,695 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Joint area rusted through and leaking. (6.1.2 (a))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive Engine oil leaking various drips. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Prop shaft flexible coupling slightly deteriorated Worn has play in all joints and various splits. (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Both bushes worn with play. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Both bushes worn with play. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Knock when turning. (5.3.2 (c))

Pass 30 Aug 2018 203,981 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Due to rusted through pipe at joint. (6.1.2 (a))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive Dripping oil off engine sump. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Prop shaft flexible coupling slightly deteriorated (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect Slight knocking from unit when turning. (5.3.2 (b))

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Joint leaking also clamp damaged by impact. (6.1.2 (a))

Pass 24 Aug 2017 203,708 miles
Pass 30 Aug 2016 203,046 miles

Oil leak ()

Fail 16 Aug 2016 203,046 miles

Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort Low effort (3.7.B.5a)

Offside rear brake recording little or no effort Low effort (3.7.B.5a)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Brake pipe slightly corroded Various area's of metal pipes have corrosion (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak ()

rear parking (secondary) brake imbalance requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.6b)

Pass 11 Aug 2015 202,743 miles

All brake pipes are corroded near their hose unions. Attention recommended.

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread on limit (6.3.1d)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Rear registration plate faded but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 3 Aug 2015 202,723 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

All brake pipes are corroded near their hose unions. Attention recommended.

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread on limit (6.3.1d)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Rear registration plate faded but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 8 Sep 2014 202,332 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Rear brake pads are approximately 65% worn.

Rear brake pipes are corroded but not excessively yet.

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Slight play in nearside steering idler bushes.

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 23 Aug 2013 201,124 miles

All rear suspension bushes are perished but not to excess.

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Outer Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Outer Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Rear brake pipes are corroded but not to excess.

Registration plates have a honeycomb background which is not a reason to fail for cars registered before 2001.

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Fail 20 Aug 2013 201,123 miles

Rear fog lamp switch faulty (1.3.1a)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b) DANGEROUS

Rear brake pipes are corroded but not to excess.

All rear suspension bushes are perished but not to excess.

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Outer Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside front tyre is starting to crack.

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Outer Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Oil leak

Registration plates have a honeycomb background which is not a reason to fail for cars registered before 2001.

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 15 Aug 2012 199,504 miles

Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

corrosion started on exhaust

front number plate damaged

n/s/f tyre wearing on outer edge

o/s/f tyre worn inside edge

o/s/r tyre wearing on inside edge

Pass 31 Aug 2011 198,711 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

front number plate cracked

n/s/f tyre wearing on outer edges

o/s/f tyre wearing on inside edge

Pass 27 Aug 2010 195,835 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

front number plate cracked

n/s/f tyre wearing on inside edge

o/s/r tyre has possible large moulding mark

Fail 25 Aug 2010 195,835 miles

Offside Front coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

front number plate cracked

n/s/f tyre wearing on inside edge

o/s/r tyre has possible large moulding mark

Pass 18 Aug 2009 189,681 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

coolant level low

corrosion started both front wings

front no plate cracked

o/s/r tyre starting to wear on inner edge

Pass 20 Aug 2008 184,021 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

chip in n/s headlamp glass

corrosion started on both front wheel arches

front no plate cracked

Fail 19 Aug 2008 184,021 miles

Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

chip in n/s headlamp glass

corrosion started on both front wheel arches

front no plate cracked

Pass 15 Aug 2007 180,371 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Fail 15 Aug 2007 180,371 miles

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 30 Aug 2006 174,874 miles

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz 260?

Based on 18,212 MOT tests across 2,579 vehicles.

73.6%
Pass Rate
2,796
Miles/Year
40
Year Lifespan
2,579
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 853
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 841
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases 413
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 403
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive 361
Full Mercedes-benz 260 reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

H42 COT is a 1990 Mercedes-benz 260 in Silver with a 2,599cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 26 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 76.9%.

Across all 1990 Mercedes-benz 260 models, the average MOT pass rate is 75.0% with a typical mileage of 116,023 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Mercedes-benz 260 fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 853 recorded failures. If you're considering buying H42 COT, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz 260 typically stays on UK roads for around 40 years. At 36 years old, this Mercedes-benz 260 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of H42 COT?

You can check the full history of H42 COT by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was H42 COT registered?

H42 COT is a 1990 Mercedes-benz 260, first registered on 7 September 1990.

Is H42 COT safe to buy?

The MOT history for H42 COT shows 26 tests with a 76.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does H42 COT have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on H42 COT. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.