2020 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI 2.0L Diesel · DN69 FSS

The most recent MOT test on 17 June 2026 resulted in a pass, with only a minor advisory noting windscreen damage that does not adversely affect the driver's view. However, the underlying trend within the MOT history is unmistakably worsening rather than stable. Just thirteen days prior, on 4 June 2026, the vehicle failed on a cluster of significant defects, including an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, exhaust emissions exceeding the manufacturer's specified limit, an ineffective front windscreen wiper, and a dangerous front brake pad finding where the friction material was recorded at less than 1.5 mm. The prior test cycle in May 2025 produced an even more serious failure profile, featuring two dangerous tyre tread depth findings on both front tyres, a non-functioning front wiper, a windscreen with damage affecting the driver's view, and a major brake disc wear item. Taken together, the recurrence of braking system wear, wiper functionality issues, and windscreen condition suggests these are not isolated incidents but rather points of repeated neglect, particularly given that dangerous defect categories should ordinarily trigger immediate rectification rather than be carried forward into subsequent tests. With recorded mileage of 163,578 miles against a six-year platform age, the Crafter is accumulating approximately 27,000 miles per year, which is a markedly high utilisation rate for a vehicle of this class and considerably above average for commercial use. This level of annual mileage places significant ongoing demand on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, driveline mounts, suspension components, and braking hardware, all of which deteriorate proportionally with distance covered. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage progression, indicating that the vehicle has been in continuous active service, and therefore buyers should anticipate that timing belt, injector, and EGR-related servicing will already have been heavily exercised if not fully completed. The combination of high annual mileage and the repeated braking and tyre failures recorded strongly implies that consumable replacement has not been keeping pace with the duty cycle. Given the recurring brake-related advisories across consecutive test cycles, any prospective purchaser should conduct a focused inspection of the entire braking system. The dangerous brake pad finding in June 2026 means the pads were replaced at that point, but buyers should verify the thickness of the rear pads, the condition and surface run-out of all brake discs, the free movement and slider pin function of the calipers, and the integrity of the brake lines and hoses, as Crafter calipers are known to bind when neglected. On a test drive, listen for scraping, grinding, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and watch for any pulling to one side under braking, which would indicate uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper. The earlier 2025 test recorded significantly worn front brake discs, so particular attention should be paid to disc lipping, corrosion pitting around the hat area, and whether the discs have been machined or replaced rather than simply skimmed beyond minimum thickness. The 2026 failure for excessive exhaust emissions and an inoperative engine management warning lamp suggests either an unresolved emissions fault or a warning lamp that had been deliberately suppressed prior to the test. Buyers should therefore request confirmation of any recent diagnostic work, DPF regeneration history, and the status of the EGR valve and turbocharger actuator, all common failure points on high-mileage TDI units. The front wiper failures across both test cycles raise a concern regarding the wiper linkage, motor, or switchgear, which should be physically demonstrated to operate correctly across all speeds. Given the vehicle's age, additional calendar-based degradation should also be examined, including perished tyre sidewalls despite legal tread depth, underbody corrosion particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust heat shielding, coolant and brake fluid age, and the condition of the 12V battery, as commercial vehicles frequently suffer from parasitic drain and shortened battery life. A full service history verification, including cambelt replacement documentation and DSG or manual gearbox fluid changes where applicable, would be essential to substantiate the mechanical condition of this high-mileage example.