2014 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · BN14 WVJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 30 October 2025, following a failed attempt on the previous day. While the latest outcome is a pass, the simultaneous failure and pass on consecutive dates indicates a borderline condition that required immediate rectification before re-testing. The maintenance trend over the recorded MOT history is best described as stable but carrying underlying concerns rather than improving. The earlier 2024 test showed a similar pattern, with a fail on 15 February followed by a pass on 17 February after anti-roll bar linkage components were addressed. The 2022 test passed without advisories, suggesting a period of sound condition prior to the more recent wear-related issues surfacing. With recorded mileage of 156,914 miles against an approximate age of 12 years, this Volkswagen Caddy has covered around 13,076 miles annually, which is higher than average for its class and age. Such sustained use accelerates wear on consumables, suspension components, braking hardware, clutch and drivetrain assemblies. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods of standing, so the wear patterns observed can be taken as representative of consistent working use rather than corrosion or deterioration associated with inactivity. The recurring advisories and failure items warrant careful attention from a prospective buyer. The oil leak noted on both the 2024 and 2025 tests, while classed as not excessive, is a progressive fault on higher-mileage vehicles and should be inspected for source, whether from the sump, cam chain area, or valve cover gasket, and the oil level verified on a cold engine prior to purchase. The dangerous tyre failure on the offside rear in October 2025, where ply or cords were exposed, indicates that tyre condition should be thoroughly examined across all four corners and the spare, checking for age-related sidewall cracking, uneven wear patterns, and remaining tread depth. The rear brake disc advisories from February 2024, noting pitting and scoring on both sides, suggest impending disc replacement; on a test drive, listen for brake shudder under firm application and feel for vibration through the pedal. The anti-roll bar linkage failures on both rear sides are a known wear point on commercial vehicles of this age and mileage, and any remaining clonking over uneven surfaces or during direction changes would indicate further deterioration of the bushes or drop links. Beyond the documented defects, a buyer should carry out additional checks commensurate with this vehicle's age and heavy usage. Inspect all suspension bushes, particularly the rear trailing arm and anti-roll bar mountings, for perishing or splitting, and verify that the coil springs are intact. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion or blow, particularly at mounting rubbers and jointing, and check the state of the catalytic converter. Given the mileage, the timing chain or cam belt service history should be confirmed along with recent replacement of the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission oil where applicable. The 12-volt battery should be load tested as diesel commercial vehicles are particularly dependent on a healthy battery for cold starting. Listen for any unintended noises from the drivetrain on the test drive, including clonking from worn driveshaft joints, rumble from wheel bearings, or any signs of clutch slip or judder under load, all of which are consistent with a working vehicle of this accumulated mileage.