2014 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · BT63 WHN

Most recent MOT (2025‑07‑04) – The van passed but showed several advisory defects: a dead registration‑plate lamp, a minor oil leak, rear anti‑roll‑bar linkage pins/bushes and ball joints with slight play, corroded rear shock‑absorber casings, and the nearside front tyre close to the legal tread limit. Recurring pattern – Tyre wear and brake‑pad wear have appeared repeatedly (front tyre below 1.6 mm in 2024 and again near‑limit in 2025; nearside rear inner brake pads flagged thin in both 2024 tests). The rear anti‑roll‑bar linkage and shock‑absorber casings are now showing wear and corrosion, and a small oil leak has emerged. Trend – The vehicle was clean in the 2022 and 2023 tests, then developed multiple failures in early 2024 and a suite of advisory items in 2025. The defect list is growing rather than receding, indicating a worsening condition trend. Mileage vs age – At 212,984 mi for a 12‑year‑old Caddy the average is about 17,750 mi yr⁻¹, which is high. This suggests the van has been used heavily, accelerating wear on tyres, brakes, suspension components and seals. The mileage alone does not prove neglect, but it aligns with the emerging wear items. What to inspect first 1. Tyres – Check tread depth on all four wheels; replace any tyre at or near the legal limit and look for uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues.