2016 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · DX16 WDP

A pattern of electrical lighting defects and suspension wear advisories defines the roadworthiness history of this Volkswagen Caddy, with two failures in the record, the most recent occurring in October 2025 before a clean pass on 30 June 2026. The earlier failure in November 2024 involved non-functioning stop lamps and a failed dipped headlamp, both repairable items but indicative of intermittent electrical faults that can recur on vehicles approaching a decade of service. The October 2025 failure centred on an inoperative registration plate lamp and position lamp issues, alongside a windscreen chip. These lighting defects have appeared repeatedly across the test history, suggesting a chronic electrical gremlin worth investigating rather than dismissing as a one-off. The 2026 pass with no defects recorded demonstrates that the immediate issues have been addressed, but the recurrence of similar faults at successive tests warrants closer scrutiny. With 131,539 miles recorded over the testing period, this Caddy has averaged approximately 13,154 miles per year, a notably high figure for a vehicle of its age and a strong indicator of sustained commercial or heavy-duty use. This level of annual accumulation typically accelerates wear on consumables including brake pads, discs, suspension bushes, and drivetrain components. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for extended periods, which is mechanically beneficial as it avoids the corrosion and seal deterioration often associated with long stationary spells, but conversely means the braking and suspension systems have been worked hard throughout. The high mileage context aligns with the brake disc and steering advisories logged between 2021 and 2022, where rear discs were noted as worn and pitted on both sides and play was detected in the steering rack inner joints with an abnormal knocking noise. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the steering and braking systems given the advisory history. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or turning the steering lock, as the 2021 advisory specifically flagged a knocking noise with play in the steering rack inner joints, a known weak point on Caddys of this era that can progress to a more expensive rack replacement if left unaddressed. Check the rear brakes for pedal judder or vibration under firm application, as the repeated pitted rear disc advisories suggest the discs have been replaced at some point but the underlying cause, often a binding caliper, may persist. Inspect the rear brake caliper sliders for free movement and verify the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as a seized caliper will accelerate disc wear. The electrical system demands its own focused inspection given the pattern of lighting failures. Verify all exterior lamps function correctly, including the registration plate illumination, stop lamps, dipped beam, and the multiple-light-source rear position lamps, as these have failed at three of the last four tests in various combinations. Examine the rear light clusters for water ingress, cracked lenses, and corroded bulb holders, as moisture infiltration is a common cause of intermittent lighting failures on commercial vehicles. For the suspension, push down firmly on each corner and release, counting the number of bounces; more than two rebounds suggests weakened dampers. Finally, examine the windscreen carefully for any new stone chips beyond the one already noted, as windscreen damage has appeared at consecutive tests and may require replacement if it has progressed into the driver's direct line of sight.