2013 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · AE63 UHB

A consistent thread of front-axle wear runs through this Volkswagen Caddy's MOT history, with anti-roll bar ball joint and linkage play flagged as far back as 2021 and again in 2022 and 2024, culminating in a severely deteriorated dust cover on the offside front ball joint noted in early 2025. The most recent test on 6 February 2026 recorded no defects at all, which is a positive data point, but it does not reverse the underlying trend that the front suspension and anti-roll bar assembly has been gradually deteriorating over multiple test cycles. In a high-mileage commercial-derived vehicle such as this, persistent advisories around the same components typically indicate genuine component wear rather than transient conditions, and the 2026 pass should be read as the current state of a slowly degrading system rather than evidence that the prior issues have been rectified. The 2025 test also captured a small cluster of minor defects including a damaged obligatory mirror and an inoperative nearside registration plate lamp, both trivial but consistent with general exterior wear on a working vehicle. With 165,200 miles accumulated over approximately 13 years, the Caddy is averaging around 12,700 miles per year, which is high for a passenger car and consistent with commercial or fleet-style usage given the model type. The mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic, with annual increments of roughly 10,000 to 15,000 miles between consecutive MOTs, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods. There are no unusual gaps in testing that would imply a long lay-up, and the relatively even mileage accumulation indicates consistent use. Mechanically, this kind of annual loading places above-average demand on brake friction material, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar components, clutch and drivetrain parts, and engine ancillaries, all of which broadly aligns with the wear pattern observed in the test record. Given the recurring advisories around the front anti-roll bar and its linkages, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint and linkage for any looseness, perished or split rubber bushes, and knocking noises when the body is rocked by hand with the wheels on the ground. On a test drive, listen for clonks or rattles from the front end over speed humps, broken tarmac, and during direction changes, as these are the typical symptoms of worn anti-roll bar components. The 2024 advisory on the nearside front suspension arm ball joint having slight play is a separate item and warrants its own check; with the steering on full lock, a worn ball joint can produce a slight knock or imprecise turn-in, and any worsening of this feel since the advisory was recorded would suggest the joint may now be approaching replacement. The brake system advisories are also worth close attention. Both front and rear brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in 2024, and the rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin on both sides in 2021. At the current mileage, fresh inspection should establish whether the discs have been machined or renewed since that advisory and whether pad material remains adequate. On test, any steering wheel vibration under braking, a soft or spongy pedal, or pulling to one side under steady pedal pressure would indicate the discs have worn further or a caliper is binding. Additionally, the front inner shoulder tyre wear recorded in 2018 points to a historical geometry issue, and a current alignment check combined with close inspection of the front tyres for uneven shoulder wear would be prudent, particularly given the suspension wear pattern. Finally, a thorough underbody examination for corrosion around the suspension mounting points, subframe, and brake lines is advisable on a high-mileage Caddy of this age, as these areas are not visible from the MOT record but are typical concerns for vehicles of this profile.