VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER2013 · 2.0L DIESEL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding deferred mechanical repairs. While the van passed its most recent test in May 2026 at 121,906 miles, the record shows a pattern of recurring faults that remain unresolved between tests. The transition from a clean record in September 2023 to multiple failures in 2024 and 2025 indicates that components are only being addressed upon failure rather than through preventative maintenance. The recorded mileage of 121,906 miles over a 13-year period represents an average usage of approximately 9,377 miles per year, which is typical for a commercial Crafter. However, the data shows a significant spike in activity between October 2024 and February 2025, where the vehicle covered nearly 1,000 miles in just four months. This rapid burst of use coincides with a series of failures involving the braking and steering systems, suggesting the vehicle has been under heavy load or use recently, which accelerated wear on critical components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the steering and suspension, as play in the steering rack inner joints was flagged in both February 2025 and May 2026. This persistent issue suggests the parts were either not replaced or were poorly fitted. Furthermore, the offside rear service brake has a history of binding, appearing in the February 2025 failure and again the May 2026 advisory, which indicates a sticking caliper or faulty wheel cylinder that requires immediate attention or replacement. The braking system also requires close scrutiny as the front discs have been noted as worn, pitted, or scored across three consecutive tests dating back to 2024. The May 2026 advisory also highlights both front tyres being near the legal limit with uneven edge wear, implying the tyres are reaching the end of their life. Given the previous failure of the anti-roll bar linkage and mounting brackets, the buyer should inspect the entire rear suspension assembly for corrosion and perished bushes to ensure the structural integrity is not compromised beyond what is recorded.