2012 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · CB03 EKB

The vehicle shows a worsening trend in suspension and drivetrain component wear. While the most recent test on 17 October 2025 at 151,098 miles resulted in a pass, the tester identified a severely deteriorated offside front drive shaft CV boot and worn bushes on both front lower suspension arms. This follows a pattern of increasing mechanical degradation seen in the 2024 test, where the vehicle also flagged damaged outer sill mounting areas and worn shock absorber bushes. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 10,800 miles per year. The records show steady usage, with the mileage climbing from 49,203 in June 2015 to 151,098 in October 2025. There are no significant gaps in testing history, though the frequency of advisories regarding consumables like tyres and brake pads suggests a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach by previous owners. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and sills for structural corrosion, given the 2024 advisories regarding damaged mounting areas on the outer sills. The recurring issues with suspension bushes and anti-roll bar linkages since 2022 indicate that the front and rear suspension systems are nearing the end of their service life. The deterioration of the offside front CV boot in the latest test suggests that immediate replacement is necessary to prevent drive shaft failure. Further attention should be paid to the braking system and tyres. The history shows repeated instances of worn tyres and thin brake pads, including a failure in September 2021. While the most recent record does not list brake defects, the long-term pattern of wearing through consumables suggests the buyer should verify the remaining life of the discs, pads, and all four tyres before purchase.