2009 Volkswagen Crafter 2.5L Diesel · D8 PCM

This 2009 Volkswagen Crafter presents a worsening maintenance trend despite achieving a pass in its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026 at 411,580 miles. The vehicle is accumulating advisories at an increasing rate, shifting from minor wear items to significant mechanical concerns that remain unaddressed year on year. Steering and braking defects flagged previously have escalated from slight wear to active play and component distortion, indicating a clear decline in overall mechanical upkeep. The mileage pattern reveals severe commercial utilization. Averaging roughly 24,000 miles annually over 17 years, the van reached 385,626 miles by April 2022 before adding nearly 26,000 miles in the single year leading to May 2023. Usage then slowed significantly, with just 11,000 miles covered between May 2023 and the latest test in May 2026. This abrupt drop in annual mileage suggests the vehicle may have been taken off primary heavy-duty routes or sat dormant for periods, which often accelerates component degradation rather than preserving it. Persistent corrosion on the nearside and offside rear brake pipes is a major red flag. Testers noted this specific defect continuously across five consecutive tests from April 2022 through to May 2026, meaning the compromised fluid lines have been left to deteriorate for at least four years. The braking system also shows a history of binding rear calipers and worn front discs, while the May 2026 test introduced a twisted nearside front brake hose. A buyer must treat the corroded brake pipes and compromised hoses as immediate safety priorities requiring replacement. Steering and suspension wear is escalating rapidly. The offside track rod end showed slight play in May 2023, progressed to inner tie rod play by May 2025, and ultimately resulted in play in the steering rack inner joint by May 2026. Worn rear anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes persisted across three tests between 2022 and 2024, and an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint developed slight play in 2025. Perished rear tyres and an ongoing oil leak further confirm that basic upkeep has been heavily deferred. A physical inspection must prioritize the steering rack, front suspension joints, and the underbody braking circuitry to assess true roadworthiness.