2018 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · AC18 DJC

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 6 May 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a positive and clean outcome at the point of test. Reviewing the broader trend across the available DVSA history, the maintenance picture appears broadly stable rather than progressively worsening. The 2024 and 2022 tests were also clean passes, while the intervening tests carried only minor items and advisories of a relatively routine nature. There is no recorded pattern of structural, corrosion, brake, or exhaust failures, which is reassuring for a commercial-derived van carrying 153,902 miles. The fact that defects from prior advisories do not reappear suggests items have generally been rectified, although the recurrence of rear tyre edge wear and rear wheel bearing play across multiple tests does indicate underlying alignment or component wear that has not been fully resolved. The recorded mileage of 153,902 miles over approximately eight years equates to an annual usage of around 19,238 miles, which is notably high and consistent with the Caddy's typical role as a working or fleet vehicle. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record between 2021 and 2026, and the mileage progression implies continuous operation rather than long periods of standing. Such high annual mileage accelerates wear on all consumable and mechanical items, including suspension components, brake discs and pads, clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, drivetrain mounts, and cooling system parts. Continuous use does, however, reduce the risk of certain age-related issues such as severe brake disc corrosion from standing, perished coolant hoses from inactivity, and seized caliper slide pins. Conversely, the high workload means that attention should be paid to evidence of regular servicing and the condition of major mechanical assemblies that MOT testing does not directly inspect. Given the recurring advisories relating to rear tyre edge wear and slight play in the nearside rear wheel bearing, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to these areas. Uneven or inner-edge tyre wear typically points to issues such as worn suspension bushes, weak coil springs, incorrect tracking geometry, or sagging rear beam bushes, all of which are common on high-mileage Caddys. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over bumps, particularly when unladen, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the rear axle. The wheel bearing play should be evaluated by rocking the rear wheels with the vehicle raised and listening for rumbling or grinding under load; a slight play now often progresses to a more pronounced rumble, and replacement is most economically carried out before it leads to ABS sensor interference or hub damage. Inspect all four tyres carefully for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing, as the 2021 advisory already flagged cracking in a rear tyre, and ensure replacement tyres match in size and load rating. Beyond the recorded advisories, the vehicle's age and mileage warrant several age-appropriate checks that fall outside standard MOT coverage. Verify the service history thoroughly, including cambelt or timing chain service intervals if applicable, brake fluid renewal, coolant replacement, and automatic gearbox fluid if fitted, as these are time-based rather than mileage-based services. The 2021 advisory of light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber should be re-examined, as shock seals tend to deteriorate progressively and may now require replacement, evident as increased body roll, nose dive under braking, or a knocking noise on poor road surfaces. Inspect the underside for fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, and power steering, and check the 12V battery condition, since heavy electrical loads from commercial use can shorten battery life. Finally, examine the rear load area for evidence of heavy or abusive use, and ensure all warning lights extinguish promptly on start-up, confirming that the vehicle remains mechanically sound beneath its outwardly clean MOT record.