2014 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · AF14 EXE

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy certificate, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend in mechanical neglect. While it passed the test in April 2026 at 80,027 miles, this followed a significant failure just two days prior. The transition from a failure involving ABS faults, brake issues, and structural cracks to a pass indicates that only the minimum legal repairs were addressed to secure compliance. The recurring nature of suspension and lighting faults across multiple years suggests the owner only addresses defects when prompted by MOT failures rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,700 miles per year. Between the 2024 test at 66,067 miles and the 2026 test at 80,027 miles, the vehicle covered 13,960 miles. This relatively low annual mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain, but the long periods of standing implied by such figures can lead to accelerated corrosion and the degradation of lubrication in rubber components, which aligns with the findings found in the record. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the offside rear tipper frame, which was flagged with a crack in April 2026. Structural integrity in commercial chassis is critical, and cracks can propagate rapidly under heavy loads. Furthermore, the nearside rear brake pipe has shown persistent corrosion since at least April 2025. The tester's note that it is covered in grease suggests an attempt to mask surface rust, which can hide thinning metal walls over time. The front suspension also requires close scrutiny. The offside front ball joint and nearside shock absorber have been flagged for play and leaks across three consecutive testing years. The April 2026 failure for a serious fluid leak on the offside front shock absorber indicates the damping system is reaching the end of its functional life. Ensure that the ABS and electronic stability control faults from the 2026 failure have been properly rectified, as these complex electronic systems significantly impact vehicle safety if left unmanaged.