2012 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · AF62 WGX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a concerning trend of reactive maintenance rather than proactive care. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 159,481 miles, the failure just one day prior reveals that significant issues were only addressed when forced. The recurring failure of suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints in the 2026 test suggests that components are being allowed to wear until they reach critical limits rather than being replaced during scheduled servicing. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 11,400 miles per year. Between February 2024 and February 2026, the vehicle covered 8,026 miles, indicating a steady but moderate usage rate. However, the high frequency of failures in the 2025 and early 2026 tests indicates that while the mileage is typical, the mechanical upkeep has suffered from neglect, particularly regarding wear-and-tear items and safety components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension and braking system. The record shows a persistent history of corroded rear shock absorbers dating back to 2024, with thin rear brake pads appearing in almost every test for three years. The parking brake lever has been flagged as defective for three consecutive years, indicating a mechanical fault or cable issue that has never been properly rectified. Furthermore, the 2026 failure for excessively worn front suspension arm bushes necessitates a check of the steering geometry and tyre wear to ensure the neglect has not caused uneven handling damage.