2007 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · AF07 XWM

The most recent MOT inspection on 12 August 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend shows signs of progressive wear and inconsistent upkeep. While the vehicle has successfully passed its last few tests, the history reveals a pattern of recurring mechanical issues and significant failures, particularly regarding tyres and bodywork. The transition from a dangerous failure in July 2024 to a pass in 2025 suggests that immediate safety-critical items are being addressed, yet the emergence of new advisories regarding suspension components and brake binding indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of increased component degradation. With 244,092 miles recorded over 19 years, this Volkswagen Caddy has averaged approximately 12,847 miles per year. This is a relatively high mileage profile for a light commercial vehicle of this age, suggesting consistent, heavy-duty usage rather than long periods of standing. Mechanically, this high cumulative mileage implies that major drivetrain components, such as the turbocharger, clutch, and gearbox, are likely nearing the end of their expected service life. Prospective buyers should expect significant wear on all consumables and should be wary of the high likelihood of impending failures in high-friction or high-stress areas like the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history highlights several specific areas requiring close attention during a physical inspection and test drive. The advisory for slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint is a recurring issue that has been noted since at least 2024. You should listen for rhythmic knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, which indicates the joint is nearing total failure. Furthermore, the advisory regarding a binding offside rear service brake is a serious concern. During your test drive, check for any pulling to one side under braking, excessive heat radiating from the rear wheel after a short journey, or a smell of burning brake material. A binding caliper can lead to premature disc wear and reduced braking efficiency. Structural integrity is another critical factor for this vehicle, given the history of corrosion on the nearside front wing and the advisory regarding inner vehicle structure corrosion in 2022. You must conduct a thorough underside inspection to check for advancing rust, particularly around the sills, suspension mounting points, and subframes, as structural corrosion can lead to future MOT failures. Additionally, the history of a fractured coil spring and a split CV boot suggests that the suspension and drivetrain components are being worked hard. Inspect the CV boots for any signs of grease leakage and check the coil springs for any surface rust or signs of cracking. Given the high mileage and age, ensure you verify the service history to confirm that essential fluids, such as engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, have been changed according to manufacturer intervals rather than just relying on the MOT pass.