2009 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · EU09 KMJ

A clear pattern of front suspension wear emerges from the DVSA history of this 2009 Volkswagen Caddy, with advisory notices recorded on the front lower arm rear bushes as far back as September 2022 and recurring again at the September 2023 test for both the nearside and offside pins or bushes. That progression culminated in a failure on 16 August 2025, when the rear anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush was deemed excessively worn on both sides, alongside rear shock absorbers showing negligible damping effect. The vehicle then passed on 25 August 2025 after the necessary rectification work, with only a continuing minor defect on the nearside front outer CV joint boot and an advisory for a worn but not excessive drive belt. The overall trend points to a chassis that is demanding increasing attention in its suspension and damping components, a fairly typical scenario for a light commercial of this age and mileage but one that warrants close inspection of any replacement or refurbished parts fitted at the most recent test. Recorded mileage of 167,851 miles over seventeen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 9,800 miles, which sits close to the expected average for a working Caddy of this generation and indicates regular use rather than prolonged periods off the road. There are no unusual gaps in the annual testing cadence, with each MOT recorded consecutively from 2020 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle has been in steady service. At this mileage, the mechanical implications are largely centred on wear-related consumables rather than outright failure, though brake discs and pads, clutch components, dual-mass flywheels if fitted, and the rear shock absorbers already flagged will be approaching the latter portion of their service life. The earlier dangerous failure in August 2020 for an offside front tyre below 1.6 mm tread and brake pads under 1.5 mm also confirms that braking and tyre condition must be treated as recurring maintenance items rather than one-off concerns. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities should focus on verifying the quality and completeness of the suspension and anti-roll bar rectification carried out between the 16 August and 25 August 2025 tests. On a road test, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed humps or potholes, as this would suggest the rear shocks or anti-roll bar bushes have not been adequately addressed or that adjacent components such as trailing arm bushes are also degrading. Pay close attention to vehicle behaviour through bends; excessive body roll, a loose or wandering rear end, or a general sense of unsettled ride quality would indicate the rear dampers are still compromised. Inspect the area beneath the rear wheels for any signs of fluid seepage from the new shock absorbers, as a fresh replacement should not show any wetness around the shaft seals. The recurring advisory for the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush should also be examined directly. Jack the vehicle and attempt to rock the front wheels while observing the lower arm rear bush area for any slack, and use a pry bar where possible to confirm whether movement has now exceeded the advisory threshold. The persistent minor defect on the nearside front outer CV boot, recorded at both the 2020 and 2025 tests, means the gaiter may have been replaced or left to deteriorate further; during the test drive, listen for any clicking or rhythmic knocking from the front transmission area on full lock, particularly while reversing, as this would indicate the joint has been contaminated and worn. Finally, given the dangerous brake pad finding in 2020, inspect the current pad and disc condition through the wheels, check for any pulling under braking, and verify the brake fluid is fresh, as commercial vehicles of this age and mileage are prone to corroded brake pipes and seized caliper slide pins that would not yet have been recorded at test.