2010 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · DX10 HSA

Chronic suspension degradation and a history of significant component failure define this vehicle's roadworthiness record. A dangerous failure in June 2025 concerning an insecure offside front upper Macpherson strut attachment bracket, alongside a fractured coil spring, highlights a period of severe mechanical instability. While the vehicle achieved a pass in April 2026, this followed a failure for headlamp aim and left ongoing advisories for both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm bushes and a rear exhaust leak. The recorded mileage of 147,198 miles over sixteen years represents a typical annual accumulation of approximately 9,200 miles. This level of usage suggests consistent road use rather than prolonged periods of inactivity. Mechanically, this mileage indicates that the vehicle is at a stage where high-wear consumables and chassis components, such as suspension bushes and brake discs, are subject to significant fatigue, as evidenced by the recurring advisories in the MOT history. Attention should be paid to the braking system and exhaust, both of which have appeared as recurring issues. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored across multiple tests since 2021, and the offside rear service brake has previously shown signs of binding. During a test drive, feel for any pedal judder or a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side under braking. Additionally, listen for an audible drone or hiss from the rear of the vehicle, which would indicate the persistence of the recorded exhaust leak in the rear box. The suspension requires close scrutiny given the history of fractured springs, insecure strut mountings, and worn anti-roll bar linkages. Specifically, the current advisories for the lower rear bushes on both front suspension arms suggest ongoing wear. Listen for knocking or clunking sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and check for any vagueness or instability in the steering response. It is essential to verify that the previous dangerous failure regarding the Macpherson strut attachment has been fully rectified with appropriate replacement components.