2013 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · AX62 AXC

A pattern of chronic front suspension wear and brake inconsistency defines the mechanical history of this 2013 Volkswagen Caddy. The most recent MOT on 28 January 2026 recorded a pass, but not before flagging both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit on the inner edge, with the offside rear tyre also showing damage, cracking or perishing. The earlier record tells a more concerning story. On 24 January 2025 the vehicle failed its test on dangerous grounds for both front tyres being below the 1.6mm tread requirement, accompanied by a major defect for an excessively fluctuating nearside front service brake. Two years prior, on 25 January 2024, it failed again with both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes recorded as excessively worn, and the same date also carried advisories for reduced damping effect at both front shock absorbers. On 3 January 2023 the pattern continued with a failure for a binding front service brake, advisories for worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, and a further advisory for reduced damping effect at the nearside front shock absorber. Across four consecutive test cycles the front axle has consistently surfaced as the source of mechanical concern, with brakes, tyres and suspension components appearing repeatedly. At 202,512 recorded miles over roughly thirteen years, this Caddy is accumulating mileage at approximately 15,578 miles per year, which is high for its class and age and points to sustained commercial or heavy-duty use. The annual test entries show no significant gaps in the record, confirming continuous operation rather than long periods standing off road. High annual mileage of this magnitude accelerates wear on the very components already flagged in the MOT history. Suspension bushes, lower arm pins, brake calipers, discs, pads, tyres and dampers all degrade at a faster rate when regularly subjected to loaded driving, and the recurring front-end advisories and failures align with this usage profile. The drivetrain, clutch, dual-mass flywheel (where fitted) and engine peripherals should also be regarded as higher-wear items given the accumulated distance. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the priority area for physical inspection. Have the vehicle raised and check both front lower suspension arm pins and bushes, paying particular attention to any play or movement as the wheels are levered. The 2023 and 2024 advisories suggest the bushes may have been renewed, so verify whether replacement was carried out and inspect the components closely for any fresh movement. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or wandering through the steering, which could indicate worn lower arm pin joints or deteriorating bushes. Pay attention to how the vehicle settles after a bump; if it continues to oscillate more than once or twice, the front shock absorbers may still have reduced damping effect as previously flagged. The braking system warrants equal attention given the 2023 binding fault and the 2025 fluctuating brake defect. On a road test, apply the brakes firmly from speed and watch for any judder through the pedal or steering wheel, which would point to warped or worn front discs. Listen for any scraping, grinding or squealing that could indicate worn pads or a seized caliper slide mechanism, and check that the vehicle pulls up in a straight line without significant pull to either side, as a binding caliper on one side would cause the opposite. Inspect the tyres directly, particularly the inner edges of the front pair, since the most recent advisory flagged inner-edge wear, which often points to misalignment or worn suspension geometry rather than simply tyre age. Finally, examine the rear offside tyre for the cracking or perishing previously noted, and inspect the spare for matching condition, as sidewall deterioration on a high-mileage vehicle is common and may necessitate an immediate replacement.