2018 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER2.0L Diesel

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as mileage increases. While the most recent test on 14 April 2026 at 161,105 miles resulted in a pass, the tester identified several significant advisories. These include a severely deteriorated offside front drive shaft CV boot and thinning nearside rear brake pads alongside corroded brake discs. This follows a pattern of escalating mechanical issues compared to the clean records seen in 2021 and 2022. The mileage accumulation is high, averaging approximately 20,000 miles per year over the eight-year lifespan of this Volkswagen Crafter. Between October 2024 and April 2026, the vehicle covered 25,293 miles, indicating heavy, consistent use. This high-frequency usage explains the transition from the defect-free status recorded in September 2022 at 111,901 miles to the increasing frequency of wear-related advisories in the subsequent tests. A prospective buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the drivetrain and braking systems. The recurring mention of deteriorated CV boots, specifically noted in both October 2024 and April 2026, suggests a risk of drive shaft failure if the joint is not addressed. The repeated advisories regarding pitted and scored brake discs, first appearing in October 2023 and continuing through the 2026 test, indicate that the braking components are reaching the end of their service life and may require a full replacement of discs and pads to ensure reliable stopping performance. The presence of worn tyres near the legal limit in the October 2024 test suggests that basic consumable maintenance has occasionally been deferred. Given the high mileage and the recent advisories, a thorough check of the suspension bushes and steering components is also necessary to ensure the vehicle has not suffered excessive wear from its heavy usage patterns.