2013 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · AM08 DJM

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 February 2026 recorded a PASS, though two advisories were issued relating to corroded front brake pipes on both the nearside and offside, plus a note that the nearside rear handbrake is operating lazily. Returning to the broader MOT history, this 2013 Volkswagen Crafter has passed every annual test since 2019, with only one failure on record dated 24 February 2021, which was centred on an electronic stability control warning lamp fault, a binding nearside front service brake, and a headlamp aim issue. The advisories issued over recent years paint a picture of gradual rather than acute deterioration, particularly with respect to brake pipe corrosion across virtually every test since 2021, recurring steering rack inner joint play on the nearside front, and the appearance of light shock absorber oil misting in 2023. The maintenance trend is broadly stable in so far as the vehicle continues to pass, but the steady accumulation of corrosion advisories on the braking system and the persistence of steering component wear indicate ongoing degradation rather than improvement, and a prospective buyer should treat the braking and steering items as priority areas for inspection. With approximately 140,941 miles recorded over a 13-year life, this Crafter is averaging roughly 10,800 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working commercial vehicle of this age and consistent with steady operational use rather than long periods of standing. There is a notable gap in the DVSA history between the 2019 test and the 2021 entries, with no recorded test in 2020, though this is not unusual for a vehicle of this vintage and may simply reflect a missed or exempt test during that period. The mileage accumulation does not appear extreme, and at this rate the engine, drivetrain, and clutch components will have experienced meaningful but not excessive wear. That said, commercial-derived vehicles of this age and mileage should be expected to show wear in high-stress items such as clutch slave cylinders, dual mass flywheels, turbochargers, and injectors, even when annual mileage is moderate, simply due to the load-bearing nature of their working life. For a prospective buyer, the recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories warrant particular attention, as these advisories have appeared at every test for the past five years and suggest that the steel brake lines, particularly those routed along the underside and front to rear, are reaching the limits of their protective coatings. On inspection, look for visible rust lifting, flaking, or pitting along the entire length of the brake pipes, paying special attention to unions and mounting clips where corrosion is most aggressive. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding noises from the braking system, and check for a soft or spongy brake pedal, excessive pedal travel, or any pulling to one side under braking, all of which could indicate either compromised pipe integrity or impending failure of the rear handbrake mechanism noted in the latest test. Given the cumulative mileage and age, the brake discs and pads will also be approaching or past their service limits, and a thorough check of disc run-out, pad thickness, and caliper slide pin condition is strongly advised, particularly as the 2024 MOT recorded an imbalance in the rear braking system with the nearside reading low. Beyond the braking system, the 2023 advisories regarding play in the inner steering rack joints on both sides and light oil misting on the front shock absorbers are areas where further deterioration is likely. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning, which would suggest worsening steering rack wear, and observe whether the vehicle maintains a level stance or if the front sits lower than expected, indicating that the dampers may need replacement. Given the working vehicle history, the buyer should also verify the condition of the clutch operation, looking for any slipping under load, juddering on take-up, or difficulty selecting gears, all of which are common at this mileage on a Crafter of this generation. Finally, due to the age of the vehicle, checks for tyre sidewall cracking and perishing, brake disc surface corrosion from standing periods, the health and state of charge of the 12V battery, and verification of recent brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil changes based on calendar intervals rather than mileage alone are all recommended, as these time-based degradations can compromise safety and reliability even when the vehicle has been relatively lightly used in terms of annual mileage.