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Official DVLA Record

2004 Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L Diesel · BW04 DWJ

BW04 DWJ

2004 Volkswagen Caddy (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 2004. Recorded mileage 215,038 miles. MOT expired on 19 Jun 2026. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
VOLKSWAGEN CADDY
Year / Origin
2004 · Birmingham
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 19 Jun 2026
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
215,038 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 1.9L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 19 Jun 2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2004
Engine
1896cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The current roadworthiness status of this Volkswagen Caddy is defined by a pass issued on 17 June 2025 at 215,038 miles, marking a stable trend following a clean pass in 2024. While the vehicle has successfully cleared its recent annual inspections, the history reveals a recurring pattern of minor mechanical failures and advisories. The transition from a 2024 failure for a non-functioning stop lamp to a clean pass suggests that basic electrical maintenance is being addressed, though the emergence of new advisories in 2025 indicates that the vehicle is now accumulating age-related wear. The recorded mileage of 215,038 over twenty-two years averages approximately 9,774 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical usage for a light commercial vehicle of this era. The testing frequency remains regular, with annual inspections occurring consistently between March and June each year. There are no significant gaps in the testing timeline, confirming that the vehicle has remained in active use throughout its life rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the specific areas flagged in recent MOT records. The 2025 advisory regarding slight play in the steering wheel requires a tactile check for rack or track rod end wear. The mention of corrosion on the offside front wing, currently concealed by tape, necessitates a thorough investigation of the underlying structural integrity of the wing mounting and surrounding body panels. Previous records also highlighted an oil leak and shock absorber fluid loss, meaning a visual check of the engine bay and suspension struts is essential to determine if these issues have been rectified or are continuing to deteriorate. Buying score 55. Risk level High.
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BW04 DWJ Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/06/2025
  • 215,038 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

BW04 DWJ MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 31 Aug 2026, 18:43
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Volkswagen Caddy (BW04 DWJ) between March 2023 and June 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 17 June 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 5 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases hole in rear silencer (6.1.2 (a))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

BW04 DWJ Mileage History

  1. 21/03/2023204,232 mi
  2. 21/03/2023204,232 mi
  3. 21/06/2024209,216 mi+4,984 mi
  4. 21/06/2024209,216 mi
  5. 17/06/2025215,038 mi+5,822 mi

Average of roughly 4,819 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
45
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
42/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The mileage of 215,038 is significantly ...

Our Verdict

Proceed with significant caution. This 2

When inspecting this specific vehicle, prioritise a thorough check of the chassis and bodywork. The 2025 MOT advisory specifically mentions corrosion on the offside front wing that was covered with tape; you should inspect the underlying metal to determine the extent of the rust. Additionally, investigate the reported 'slight play' in the steering, as this could indicate worn suspension or steering components that were obscured by covers during the test.

Ask the seller for evidence of any recent repairs regarding the exhaust or oil leaks noted in previous years. Because this is a high-mileage diesel, ensure you check the service history for timing belt changes and fuel system maintenance, though these cannot be confirmed via MOT records alone. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the potential cost of addressing the advisory items.

As a 1896cc diesel, this Caddy is likely to offer decent fuel economy for a commercial-style vehicle, though high mileage may have impacted efficiency. Tax and insurance groups for a 2004 Volkswagen Caddy are typically moderate, making it relatively affordable to keep on the road if mechanical issues are managed.

However, maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and mileage can be unpredictable. Expect more frequent spending on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance, would be in the region of £1,200-£1,500, depending heavily on annual mileage.

Focus heavily on the underside and wheel arches. The MOT history shows a history of exhaust gas leaks (2023) and recent advisories for corrosion on the offside front wing. Check the condition of the rear silencer and the entire exhaust system to ensure the 2023 failure has been fully rectified.

Secondly, perform a test drive to feel for any irregularities in the steering. The 2025 MOT noted 'slight play' in the steering wheel that the tester could not fully assess due to covers. You should also look for signs of the 'slight oil leak' mentioned in the 2023 record to see if it has been resolved or has worsened. Finally, inspect the wheels for the damage noted on the nearside front in the latest MOT.

This silver 1.9L diesel Caddy has covered 215,038 miles since its first registration in August 2004. While it passed its most recent MOT in June 2025, the record shows a pattern of issues including exhaust leaks, oil leaks, and recent advisories regarding corrosion and steering play. Given its age and high mileage, it represents a high-risk purchase for those not prepared for potential maintenance requirements.

No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific model to provide a comparative baseline.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns