2018 Volkswagen Caddy 1.4L Petrol · AD68 LDO

The 2018 Volkswagen Caddy presents a deteriorating maintenance trend, currently holding a valid MOT after a May 2026 pass at 12,144 miles, though only following an initial failure on the same day. The vehicle passed its April 2024 test cleanly at 9,148 miles, but the 2026 test reveals a lapse in basic upkeep. The tester flagged a perished fuel cap sealing ring, a deteriorated rear number plate, a mispositioned rear fog lamp, and incorrectly aimed headlamps dipping to the right. These faults suggest the previous owner deferred minor maintenance, requiring a retest to secure a pass. The recurring headlamp aim issue indicates an ongoing concern rather than a one-off adjustment. Covering just 12,144 miles over eight years, this Caddy has averaged roughly 1,518 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for a commercial vehicle. The mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of 2,803 miles between April 2023 and April 2024, followed by a further 2,996 miles by May 2026. Such low annual mileage often implies prolonged periods of standing, which can cause perishable items like rubber seals to degrade through age rather than wear. The perished fuel cap ring aligns directly with this pattern of light use and potential long-term storage. A prospective buyer should thoroughly inspect the lighting components and general condition of the rubber seals. The repeated headlamp aim failures, specifically the beam kicking up to the right, point to possible suspension sag, damaged headlamp leveling motors, or an incorrect aftermarket bulb or mask installation. Check the rear lamp positioning and ensure the fog lamp sits correctly on the offside or centre line. Examine the fuel cap seal closely, as a split ring can trigger evaporative emission faults. Given the low mileage and the perished rubber components, assess the tyre sidewall condition for date codes and cracking, as well as the brake discs and calipers for surface corrosion and binding from standing. The structural integrity of the underside also warrants a physical check to ensure prolonged standing has not caused excessive corrosion on the chassis or suspension mounts.