2017 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · DL17 AAE

A chronic, recurring oil leak has been flagged at every single MOT test recorded for this vehicle, appearing as an advisory on both the pass and fail entries in 2024 and 2026, which points to a persistent engine or gearbox sealing issue that has not been resolved between tests. The 2026 test on 15 July initially failed due to a Major defect for an inoperative engine management indicator lamp (MIL), a serious emissions-related issue that prevents the driver from being alerted to ongoing engine faults, though the vehicle was subsequently presented the same day and passed once the MIL was presumably rectified. Alongside the oil leak, a pattern of premature rear tyre wear on both sides has been noted across consecutive tests, and a rear anti-roll bar bush wear advisory appeared on the latest pass, suggesting the rear suspension is beginning to show its age. The rear brake pads were also flagged as wearing thin in 2024, and although no further brake advisories have appeared since, the combination of high-mileage use and the rear axle component wear warrants close attention. With 243,742 miles accumulated over approximately nine years, this Caddy has averaged around 27,000 miles annually, a notably high figure that places substantial mechanical demand on the engine, clutch, transmission, suspension, and braking components. The mileage progression between tests is consistent rather than erratic, with no recorded gaps in annual testing, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous commercial or heavy private use throughout its life. At this mileage, internal engine wear, dual-mass flywheel degradation, clutch slip, and turbocharger fatigue become realistic concerns regardless of how the vehicle presents cosmetically, and consumable replacement costs typically accelerate sharply once a diesel van passes the 200,000 mile threshold. Given the persistent oil leak advisory, it is essential to inspect the underside of the engine and gearbox for fresh seepage, paying particular attention to the cam chain cover, sump, and rear main seal areas, and to check the oil level and condition on the dipstick for any signs of milky residue or excessive darkening. The rear tyre edge wear suggests a geometry or suspension alignment issue, so a test drive over uneven road surfaces should be used to listen for clonking or knocking from the rear anti-roll bar bushes, and the vehicle should be checked for any signs of crabbing or uneven tracking. The 2024 advisory regarding distorted rear wheels has not recurred, but it is worth confirming all wheels run true and are free of cracks, while the front nearside tyre noted as worn in 2024 should be inspected for even tread wear across the contact patch. The engine MIL failure in July 2026 should be queried directly with the seller, including any diagnostic trouble codes stored in the system and whether any remedial work such as sensor replacement, emissions system repair, or DPF attention was carried out to clear the warning. The dim or non-functioning supplementary stop lamp noted across multiple tests should be verified as currently operational, as it may indicate a corroded wiring connection within the high-level brake light assembly. Given the cumulative wear evidenced across the MOT record, particularly around the rear suspension, rear brakes, and engine sealing, a thorough independent pre-purchase inspection with the vehicle raised on a lift is strongly advisable before committing to purchase.