2020 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · AV70 BAU

A pattern of tyre damage is the defining mechanical concern in this Crafter's recent history, with the 2 October 2025 test recording an offside rear tyre with a cut not deep enough to reach the ply or cords as an advisory, and a nearside rear tyre with a cut exceeding the permitted depth and exposing the ply or cords as a major failure at the same inspection. The nearside front windscreen also sustained damage that did not yet obscure the driver's view, classed as a minor defect. Aside from these tyre and glazing items, the prior two tests in October 2024 and October 2023 returned completely clean passes with no advisories or failures recorded. The 2025 result therefore represents a localised deterioration rather than a systemic slide in roadworthiness, but the simultaneous appearance of multiple cuts on different tyres within the same visit warrants attention, as it may indicate exposure to sharp debris, kerbing, or marginal sidewall condition rather than a one-off incident. At 84,943 miles across six years, this Crafter has averaged roughly 14,157 miles annually, which is high for a vehicle of its age and points to consistent commercial or heavy utility use. MOT coverage has been annual without gaps, and the mileage progression implied by successive tests suggests steady accumulation rather than long stationary periods, so the drivetrain, braking, and suspension components have all been worked regularly. Higher annual mileage of this order typically accelerates wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutches in manual variants, dual-mass flywheels, and suspension bushes and coil springs, all of which should be evaluated on a physical inspection rather than relying on MOT evidence alone, since none of these wear items have yet been flagged in the recorded tests. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a close inspection of all four tyres and the wheel rims, looking for sidewall bulges, exposed cord, uneven shoulder wear that may indicate misalignment or worn suspension, and any kerbing damage to the offside and nearside rear wheels. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, as these are common wear points on high-mileage Crafter vans, particularly the anti-roll bar bushes, wishbone bushes, and drop links. Steering should remain centred without pulling, and any vibration through the wheel at speed may indicate wheel balance issues, distorted rims, or imbalanced brake discs. The brakes should be tested with progressively firmer pedal pressure from around 30 mph, feeling for any judder, pulsing, or a soft pedal that may suggest warped discs or air in the system, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle on a moderate incline without creeping. Given the major tyre failure in October 2025, it is prudent to assume the offending tyre has been replaced, but the remaining tyres should be checked for age-related cracking in the sidewalls and for matching tread depths across the axle. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle is advisable to look for any corrosion on the rear axle, brake pipes, and subframe mounting points, which are known areas of concern on Crafter chassis used heavily on commercial duties. Verify that the previously damaged nearside front windscreen has not been repaired with a filler patch that could compromise clarity, and confirm there are no new stone chips radiating from the existing damage. Finally, given the mileage, a compression or leak-down test on the engine along with a check for oil misting around the turbo and intercooler pipework would be a sensible precaution, as these diesel engines work hard under load in commercial service and any emerging issues would not yet be reflected in the MOT record.