2011 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN1.4L Petrol

The 2026‑06‑25 MOT at 18,871 miles resulted in a pass, but the tester recorded persistent steering box free play (2.3 (a) (i)) and a front brake linkage with restricted free movement (1.1.15 (e)), indicating that the deficiencies noted in the June 17 2026 failure remain unresolved. These repeated findings show a stable‑to‑worsening trend rather than improvement, as the same components have been flagged in two consecutive tests. The vehicle’s recorded mileage has risen from 8,169 miles in July 2015 to 18,871 miles in June 2026, an increase of roughly 10,700 miles over 11 years, averaging about 970 miles per year. While the overall figure is low for a 15‑year‑old van, the jump from 16,295 miles in April 2023 to 18,871 miles in June 2026 adds 2,576 miles in just over three years, suggesting a period of more intensive use or long standing intervals that have not been captured in the intervening MOT gaps. Recurring advisories on the steering box, front brake linkage, and wheel bearings point to potential wear in the suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components, while the 2025 near‑side and off‑side front tyre perishing and the 2024 off‑side front wiper deficiency hint at neglected consumable maintenance. The absence of structural rust advisories in the recent tests is reassuring, but the repeated brake fluctuation notes (1.2.1 (e)) from 2023 onward imply that the rear brake system may be approaching a critical wear stage. A buyer should therefore inspect the steering box for excessive free play, test the front brake linkage for binding calipers and worn pads, examine the condition of the front wheel bearings and tyre tread, verify the integrity of the rear brake discs and pads, and look for any signs of chassis corrosion or structural damage around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points.