2013 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · AF13 AAZ

The Volkswagen Caddy passed its most recent MOT test on 12 May 2026 with no defects recorded, though the same date shows a prior failed attempt that was subsequently rectified to achieve the pass. This pattern of pass after failure is common and not in itself concerning, but the nature of the recent defects does warrant attention. The May 2025 test returned a fail with three major defects concentrated on the offside front suspension and steering assembly, specifically a fractured coil spring, an excessively worn lower suspension arm pin or bush, and an insecure track rod end ball joint dust cover, with corresponding advisories on inner tyre wear close to the legal limit. The May 2026 episode involved a binding nearside rear service brake and an inoperative nearside front position lamp, together with a daylight running lamp advisory. Viewed in aggregate, the trend suggests that while the vehicle has been brought to a roadworthy standard at each test, there is a pattern of component wear manifesting at the front suspension and steering geometry, which a prospective purchaser should treat as a recurring area of concern rather than a one-off occurrence. The recorded mileage of 56,288 miles over approximately thirteen years equates to an annual average of around 4,330 miles, which is notably low for a commercial or family vehicle of this type. This low usage figure is consistent with either long periods of standing, light domestic use, or short journeys only, each of which carries distinct mechanical implications. Extended standing periods tend to accelerate corrosion on brake discs, promote brake caliper seizure, and degrade the 12 volt battery through chronic partial discharge cycles, while short journeys prevent the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature, encouraging oil dilution, moisture accumulation in the engine oil, and premature degradation of the diesel particulate filter if this is a diesel variant. The MOT history shows broadly consistent annual tests since 2021, but the gaps between recorded mileages are not visible, so any rapid acceleration in usage during recent years would not be apparent from this data alone. Given the recorded defects and advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused physical inspection beginning with the front suspension and steering components. The fractured coil spring and worn lower arm bush on the offside indicate that the nearside items should also be scrutinised for fatigue cracking, perishing rubber, or play, as coil springs frequently fail in pairs on vehicles of this age. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes or top mount deterioration, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, which could indicate further wear at the track rod ends or wishbone joints. The 2025 advisories on both front inner tyres wearing close to the legal limit and on edge suggest an alignment or geometry issue that should be checked, as uneven inner shoulder wear is characteristic of camber misalignment or worn suspension components rather than simple age-related wear. Inspect all four tyres closely for cracking and perishing of the sidewall rubber, paying particular attention to the rear tyres which were flagged for slight damage and perishing in 2025, as thirteen year old tyres, regardless of tread depth, are at the point where rubber hardening and sidewall flex cracking become a genuine safety concern and replacement is advisable. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and usage related items merit attention prior to purchase. Given the low annual mileage, the brake calipers are prone to seizing, particularly the rear ones where binding was noted in the most recent test, so each corner should be checked for free rotation of the disc with the wheel removed and for any resistance when released. Brake discs themselves may exhibit severe surface corrosion and lipping from standing, which would manifest as vibration or shudder under braking. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as low use vehicles frequently suffer from chronically discharged batteries that fail without warning. Time-based servicing items should be verified regardless of low mileage, including the engine oil and filter, brake fluid (which degrades hygroscopically and should be renewed every two years), coolant, and the timing belt interval if applicable to this engine variant. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for corrosion at the mounting points, flexi-joint, and rear silencer, and the underside should be inspected for any structural corrosion given the vehicle's age, particularly around the rear axle, jacking points, and suspension mounting areas, as these are the regions most likely to develop significant corrosion on a thirteen year old commercial vehicle that has seen prolonged standing periods.