2017 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · AF17 DHD

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2017 Volkswagen Caddy was conducted on 23 March 2026 and resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents a positive and stable outcome. The previous test on 1 April 2025 also passed cleanly, indicating that any issues identified in earlier tests have been rectified and that the vehicle has subsequently maintained its roadworthiness across consecutive examinations. The only recorded failure within the available history occurred on 26 March 2024 due to an inoperative horn, which is a relatively minor electrical issue that has since been resolved, as confirmed by the clean pass the following month. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and currently improving, with no recurring mechanical defects, structural advisories, or emissions concerns present in the recent record. The recorded mileage of 101,566 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual average of around 11,285 miles, which is broadly typical for a commercial-derived vehicle of this type and age. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in usage apparent from the test history, suggesting consistent operation rather than prolonged periods of standing or unusually heavy commercial use. This moderate annual mileage is generally favourable from a mechanical perspective, as it implies regular fluid circulation, brake disc and pad wear at expected rates, and steady exercising of the suspension and drivetrain components, all of which help mitigate issues such as brake caliper seizure or moisture accumulation in the engine and transmission oils. At this odometer reading, however, a prospective buyer should anticipate that certain wear-and-tear items may be approaching or have already reached their service intervals, particularly if the vehicle has been used for its intended commercial purpose. Given the clean MOT history and the absence of any suspension, braking, or corrosion advisories, a pre-purchase inspection should focus on age- and mileage-related items that fall outside the scope of the standard MOT test. The tyres warrant close attention for sidewall cracking or perishing due to the vehicle's age, even if the tread depth remains legal, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance and state of charge, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years, and any diagnostic irregularities on start-up could indicate underlying electrical weakness. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion or binding, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods between uses, and the condition of the brake fluid should be verified, as moisture absorption over time reduces its boiling point and effectiveness regardless of pad wear. On a test drive, the prospective buyer should listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate wear in the anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts common to the Caddy platform. Uneven or feathered tyre wear patterns can point to misalignment or worn suspension components such as control arm bushes or coil springs, both of which are known wear items on this vehicle. The steering should be checked for free play or vagueness around the straight-ahead position, and the gearbox operation should be smooth with no harsh engagement or synchromesh wear evident. Under-bonnet inspection should include checking for any oil or coolant leaks around the cam chain area, which is a known concern on the 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines often fitted to this generation of Caddy, and a thorough service history review will confirm that timing belt or chain intervals, along with regular oil and filter changes, have been observed in line with manufacturer specifications.