2016 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · DV66 SHZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 30 June 2026, but the surrounding history reveals a concerning maintenance trend. The pattern of failures is indicative of reactive rather than preventative care, with the vehicle frequently failing on dangerous defects immediately prior to passing. The recurrence of dangerous tyre conditions and major suspension failures suggests a lack of routine safety inspections, indicating that the vehicle has been maintained to a minimum legal standard rather than a mechanical ideal. With a recorded mileage of 151,671 miles over approximately ten years, this Caddy has averaged over 15,000 miles annually. This is significantly higher than average for this vehicle type and implies substantial wear on all primary drivetrain and chassis components. High-mileage usage of this nature typically accelerates the degradation of engine mounts, clutch wear, and the overall fatigue of the suspension system, necessitating a more rigorous inspection of the vehicle's mechanical health beyond the basic MOT requirements. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the chassis and suspension. The history of fractured coil springs and excessively worn ball joints, combined with the recent advisory for oil-misting shock absorbers, suggests the suspension is reaching the end of its service life. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds over uneven surfaces and feel for any instability or excessive body roll. Given the repeated dangerous tyre failures, verify that the current tyres are of a reputable brand and have consistent tread depth across the width, as uneven wear would indicate lingering alignment issues or worn suspension bushes. The 2025 record noted pitted and scored rear brake discs, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency and pedal vibration. Ensure the brakes feel firm and responsive without any shuddering under deceleration. Due to the high mileage and evidence of neglect, it is imperative to verify the service history for timing belt and water pump replacements, as these are critical failure points for this engine. A thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion and a check of the engine oil and coolant condition are strongly advised to ensure the vehicle has not been subjected to prolonged intervals between essential fluid changes.