2016 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · TE02 BAR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding suspension components. While it passed its latest test in November 2025 at 83,420 miles, the failure just one day prior revealed significant mechanical neglect. The nearside front shock absorber progressed from light misting in November 2023 to a serious fluid leak by November 2025. This progression indicates that a known fault was ignored for two years rather than being addressed when it reached a point of critical failure. The mileage pattern is remarkably consistent for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,300 miles per year. Between November 2023 and November 2024, the vehicle covered only 454 miles, suggesting a period of low use or storage. However, it then covered 554 miles in the following year leading up to the most recent tests. This low annual mileage can sometimes lead to accelerated degradation of rubber components and dry seals, which aligns with the suspension issues observed in the recent records. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front-end suspension. The November 2025 failure flagged a corroded offside front coil spring and both front tyres rubbing the wheel arches during movement, which suggests the geometry may be compromised or the components are failing prematurely. The rear anti-roll bar bushes, previously noted as excessively worn in 2023, should also be checked for play or further tearing. Additionally, the history of sidewall damage and nails in the rear tyres suggests a reactive approach to basic maintenance, necessitating a close look at the remaining tyre tread for uneven wear or structural integrity.