2015 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · VN15 AEK

The Volkswagen Caddy’s most recent MOT test on 2025-11-11 passed without defects, but the preceding failure on 2025-11-04—just seven days earlier—raises immediate concerns. This pattern of consecutive tests, combined with the lack of recorded defects on either occasion, suggests either a rushed or inconsistent approach to pre-test repairs. The absence of advisories or minor faults in the latest pass implies no obvious recurring issues were addressed, though the failure before it indicates the tester may have overlooked something critical or the vehicle was driven unsafely between tests. The 2023 failure on 2023-11-27, occurring on the same day as the preceding pass, further hints at a possible administrative error or a component that intermittently fails testing. Overall, the trend is neither clearly worsening nor improving—it is erratic, with no clear evidence of proactive maintenance beyond passing the test. The vehicle’s mileage of 133,100 miles over 11 years equates to an average of 12,100 miles annually, which is unusually high for its age. Between 2023 and 2025, the mileage jumped from 122,934 to 133,100—a gain of 10,166 miles in just two years—suggesting either intensive use or a period of neglect. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (4,723 miles in under a year) is particularly concerning, as it implies the vehicle was driven without intermediate checks. Such rapid accumulation strains suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components, while also increasing the risk of undetected corrosion or drivetrain wear. The lack of advisories in any test does not absolve the need for scrutiny, as some failures may have been minor enough to pass without comment. Given the erratic MOT history and high mileage, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear axle alignment and condition of the coil springs and bushes. The repeated failures in 2023—despite identical mileage—may indicate binding calipers, warped brake discs, or failing wheel bearings, all of which could recur. Structural integrity should also be assessed, as the vehicle’s age and mileage increase the likelihood of corrosion in the subframe, sills, or wheel arches. Exhaust emissions systems, while not explicitly failed, warrant verification, as catalytic converters degrade over time and may have been bypassed or replaced without record. Finally, the brakes—often a silent failure point—should be disassembled to check for uneven wear, seized pistons, or fluid contamination, as the tester’s failure to flag them in 2023 suggests either a near-failure condition or a rushed inspection.