2010 Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L Diesel · CA60 AAO

The most recent DVSA MOT test for the Volkswagen Caddy took place on 8 August 2023 and resulted in a pass, although four advisories were issued against the vehicle. Looking back over the recorded test history, the maintenance trend is mixed rather than clearly stable or improving. A pass with no defects was recorded in June 2022, but the 2023 test followed a failure the day before on 7 August 2023 relating to windscreen wiper effectiveness, headlamp aim, headlamp levelling device operation, and an emissions-related issue where the engine oil level failed to register with the oil warning lamp illuminated. The earlier 2022 and 2020 tests also produced failures for items like stop lamp operation, engine management illumination, and washer fluid, while recurring advisories around anti-roll bar linkage play, brake condition, and suspension components have been present across multiple tests. The pattern suggests the vehicle is generally being kept roadworthy but with attention needed to electrical systems, lighting, and under-bonnet warning systems. With 226,446 miles recorded on a 2010 Volkswagen Caddy, the vehicle has covered approximately 14,153 miles per year on average, which is high for its age and points to sustained commercial or heavy-duty use. The MOT history shows tests in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, with no obvious long gaps in testing, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods standing. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on all consumables, particularly suspension components, braking systems, clutch and drivetrain parts, and engine ancillaries, meaning that even where the MOT result is a pass, the buyer should anticipate that many wear-related items will be closer to requiring replacement than on a lower-mileage equivalent. Given the recurring advisories, particular attention should be paid to the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play noted in both the 2022 and 2023 tests, as well as the rear anti-roll bar D bushes split or worn as flagged in 2021 and 2022. On a test drive, listen for clonking noises from the suspension over bumps and during direction changes, and inspect the linkages visually for excessive movement in the bushes and ball joints. The advisories regarding front shock absorbers showing light oil misting in 2023 suggest the units are beginning to wear, so check for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the front pair, and test for sustained damping by pushing down firmly on each front corner and observing whether the vehicle settles promptly. The fluctuating front service brake advisory and the 2021 note about worn and corroded discs and low rear pads should prompt a thorough inspection of brake disc thickness, pad material remaining, and any evidence of brake judder, pulling, or binding calipers especially after the vehicle has been standing. The cut noted on the offside rear tyre sidewall in 2023, although not deep enough to fail, should be re-examined for any progression, and all tyres should be checked for age-related perishing given the vehicle's age. Beyond the recorded defects, the high mileage and 16-year age of this Caddy make several other inspections essential, including verification of timing belt and water pump replacement history, as these are interval rather than condition-based services on Volkswagen commercial vehicles. The oil level warning lamp issue from the 2023 failure suggests a possible low oil level or sensor concern which should be confirmed as resolved, and the buyer should physically check oil level and condition on inspection. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should be considered for replacement on a time basis regardless of appearance, and the 12V battery should be load-tested as commercial vehicles often suffer from repeated short cycles that shorten battery life. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion and bracket integrity, particularly given the snapped exhaust bracket advisory from 2021, and examine the underside for any structural corrosion or fluid leaks from the engine and transmission. Finally, verify a full service history with stamps and invoices, as consistent maintenance is critical at this mileage, and confirm that the engine management and stop lamp issues from earlier failures have been properly diagnosed and rectified rather than temporarily cleared.