2012 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · AF12 OHT

A pattern of front-end and underbody wear, coupled with a recent dangerous tyre failure and deteriorating rear dampers, defines the mechanical profile of this Volkswagen Caddy. The 2026-04-23 test recorded a pass, but the advisory for an oil leak alongside a nearside rear tyre worn on the edge suggests that fluid containment and tyre maintenance remain live concerns. A 2024-04-05 failure carries real weight, with a dangerous nearside front tyre exposing ply or cords, a major body panel defect on the nearside rear, failed rear shock absorbers with negligible damping, and an inoperative registration plate lamp. Although the vehicle subsequently passed in April 2024 and again in 2025 and 2026, the 2025 advisory of pitted front brake discs confirms that wear items on the front axle continue to accumulate. The overall trajectory is one of stabilised compliance once shocks were renewed, though the edge wear and oil leak advisories indicate ongoing attention is required to keep the van in test-worthy condition. Recorded mileage of 138,330 miles over roughly fourteen years equates to an average of about 9,881 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working Caddy of this age and consistent with light commercial use. There are no significant gaps in annual MOT testing that would suggest extended periods off the road, meaning the mileage accumulation appears steady rather than skewed by long stationary periods. At this level of use, wear on suspension linkages, bushes, brake discs, clutches and dual-mass flywheels (where fitted) is expected to be moderate rather than severe. The progression of advisories from clean passes in 2023 to brake disc wear in 2025 and tyre and oil seepage in 2026 aligns broadly with the mechanical ageing curve of a van in regular but not punishing service. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent items to inspect are the rear suspension and braking system given the 2024 shock absorber failure and the 2025 front brake disc advisory. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest the replacement dampers themselves or the mounting bushes have deteriorated. The front discs should be checked for lipping, hot juddering under braking, and any grinding sensation, as pitted rotors that were merely advisory last year may now be approaching replacement threshold. Inspect the undercarriage for fresh oil staining around the engine and gearbox sumps, as the recorded oil leak, while not classed as excessive, will only worsen with time and may indicate degrading seals on the cam carrier, sump, or oil filter housing common to this engine family. The tyre wear pattern flagged in April 2026 deserves specific attention during a physical inspection. Examine the nearside rear tyre closely for uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate incorrect tracking, a worn rear bush, or a slight spring sag, and check that the offside front replacement carried out after the 2024 dangerous failure was of correct load rating for a Caddy. Look at the nearside rear body panel area for evidence of poor repair quality or sharp edges that could still pose an injury risk, and verify that the registration plate illumination is functioning correctly across all lamps. Finally, given the working-van context of this vehicle, check the load area floor and rear suspension mounting points for any corrosion or cracking, and ensure the clutch bite point is high or non-existent, which would suggest the dual-mass flywheel or clutch itself is nearing the end of its service life.