2018 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER2.0L Diesel

The Volkswagen Crafter’s most recent MOT test on July 2, 2025, at 178,564 miles confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. This marks a consistent pattern of clean passes across all available tests, including the 2023 retest just days after an initial failure—though that failure was notable for having no recorded defects, suggesting either an administrative oversight or a minor oversight in the tester’s report. The absence of advisories or recurring issues across nearly 62,000 miles since the last failure indicates the vehicle has not experienced persistent mechanical or structural problems. However, the 2023 retest’s proximity to the failure (a single day apart) warrants scrutiny of whether the original issue was genuinely resolved or if the vehicle was simply retested without proper intervention. The mileage progression reveals unusually high annual averages, with 22,320 miles logged over eight years—nearly double the UK average for a vehicle of this age. This rapid accumulation suggests either intensive commercial use or prolonged periods of operation without extended downtime. The gap between the 2023 failure and the 2022 pass (around 12,000 miles) is relatively modest, but the subsequent 42,000 miles between the 2023 retest and the 2024 test were covered without incident, implying either consistent maintenance or a vehicle well-suited to heavy usage. The lack of mileage gaps exceeding 18 months also suggests the vehicle has not been left unused for prolonged periods, which could otherwise accelerate wear on fluids, seals, and suspension components. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of high-wear items given the mileage, particularly the suspension system—coil springs, bushes, and dampers—where corrosion or fatigue may not have been flagged in tests but could compromise handling. The brakes, though never failed, warrant closer examination for uneven wear, binding calipers, or excessive disc thickness loss, especially if the vehicle has been used for heavy towing or frequent stops. Structural integrity should also be assessed for signs of rust in wheel arches, sills, or the subframe, as corrosion in these areas can compromise safety without always appearing in MOT tests. Finally, the engine bay and drivetrain should be checked for fluid leaks, as high mileage increases the risk of degraded seals or worn components that may not yet have manifested as failures.