2016 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · AX65 ECZ

A recurring mechanical theme has emerged around the rear anti-roll bar bushes of this Caddy, with the same advisory appearing at both the 2026-04-29 and 2025-10-16 tests describing worn pins or bushes not yet causing excessive movement. The earlier record is largely clean, with a clean pass at 2024-08-16 and the only prior rear-end advisory being worn brake pads in August 2023. That 2023 visit also produced a failure for a nearside rear tyre with ply or cords exposed, classified as dangerous, alongside an advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and perished. Taken together, the pattern points to a vehicle that is fundamentally roadworthy but is beginning to show its age at the rear axle, with suspension linkage wear now registering on two consecutive examinations and a rear brake pad change due in the not-too-distant future. Annual mileage of roughly 10,800 miles sits comfortably within typical expectations for a ten-year-old Caddy and there are no unusual gaps between tests or abrupt mileage jumps that might indicate clock irregularities or extended periods off the road. Testing has been reasonably consistent, with no multi-year lay-up, meaning corrosion findings, if present, can be read as genuine wear rather than damp-induced deterioration from standing. The annual rate is moderate enough that major drivetrain items such as the diesel timing belt, dual-mass flywheel, and turbocharger are unlikely to have been pushed beyond their service intervals, though consumables like brake discs, pads, and tyres will have turned over several times. At this mileage, however, attentiveness to suspension and steering components is warranted, as the recorded advisories confirm wear is beginning to manifest. For a prospective buyer, the rear anti-roll bar bushes deserve particular attention. On a test drive, listen for clonks or rattles from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when cornering or traversing speed humps, as worn bushes allow the bar to move within its drop links. Also pay attention to any vagueness or delay in the rear end responding to steering inputs, and check visually for excessive play when the vehicle is rocked from side to side. The anti-roll bar pin or bush replacement on this platform is a relatively straightforward job, but it is worth obtaining a quote so the cost can be weighed against any negotiation on price. The 2023 brake pad advisory should also inform your inspection, as pads noted as wearing thin two and a half years ago will now be due for replacement if not already attended to. On the road, any grinding, squeal, or a soft or low brake pedal would suggest the pads have run low, while pulling to one side under braking could indicate uneven wear or a binding caliper, which is a known issue on light commercial vehicles of this generation. Inspect the rear discs for lipping or scoring and confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as handbrake cables and rear caliper mechanisms on Caddys used for load carrying can stretch or seize. Finally, given the dangerous tyre failure recorded in 2023, examine all four tyres carefully for cracks in the sidewall, uneven shoulder wear, and adequate tread depth, and verify they are of matching size and speed rating, as a vehicle that has carried heavy loads may exhibit accelerated inner-edge wear that is not always immediately apparent from a casual glance.