2009 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · EU09 LBG

The latest MOT test on 2026-05-29 resulted in a passing grade, though it was accompanied by persistent tyre wear advisories—both offside and nearside front tyres showing significant edge wear approaching legal limits. Despite this, the overall maintenance trend over the past three years is not uniformly worsening; while some failures and advisories have recurred, particularly around suspension components and structural integrity, the vehicle has not consistently failed to pass. The 2023-06-12 failure, which included a serious fluid leak in the offside front shock absorber and an insecure exhaust system, stands out as a notable outlier, suggesting either a critical component failure or a less-than-stable maintenance history in that period. However, the subsequent 2024 and 2025 MOTs were passed without major issues, indicating some recovery or corrective action may have been taken. The 2009 Volkswagen Caddy’s recorded mileage of 159,875 miles represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 9,404 miles per year, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for its age. This figure does not suggest excessive wear from high mileage alone, but it does imply prolonged exposure to road conditions and potential standing periods, which can accelerate corrosion and fluid degradation. The absence of significant mileage spikes between MOTs suggests the vehicle was not subjected to extreme wear conditions, but the presence of multiple advisories—particularly around suspension bushings, tyres, and exhaust components—indicates that wear has been gradual rather than sudden. The 2022-06-13 failure, with a nearside lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showing excessive wear, underscores the importance of monitoring suspension components for progressive deterioration, especially if the vehicle has been driven regularly over rough terrain or experienced prolonged idling. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination include the suspension system, as the recurring advisories and past failures suggest wear in the lower anti-roll bar linkages, front shock absorbers, and suspension arm bushings. Listen for clunking noises from the front suspension during cornering or over bumps, which may indicate worn or broken suspension bushes or damaged coil springs. Inspect the front tyres closely for uneven wear patterns, particularly on the edges, which could signal misalignment or camber issues exacerbated by the noted tyre wear advisories. Check for any fluid leaks around the offside front shock absorber, as a persistent leak could lead to hydraulic failure and reduced damping effectiveness. Additionally, verify the exhaust system’s structural integrity, as the past failures highlight potential insecurity or damage, which could result in emissions violations or noise issues. Beyond the mechanical checks, address the vehicle’s standing corrosion risks, especially if it has been parked for extended periods. Corrosion around the wheel arches, undercarriage, and brake discs is a common issue in older vehicles, and binding calipers or corroded discs can impair braking performance. Test the parking brake for firmness and ensure the release mechanism is functional, as the 2022 and earlier advisories indicate a persistent issue. Pay attention to the battery health, given the vehicle’s age, and check for signs of fluid leakage or corrosion on the terminals, which could compromise electrical systems. Finally, since the vehicle’s last MOT was in May 2026, ensure that time-based fluid servicing—such as brake fluid, differential fluid, and coolant—has not been neglected, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. If the service history is unclear, consider a professional fluid analysis to confirm their condition. The presence of the altered headlight adjuster and passenger door handle faults, while not critical, may warrant attention for cosmetic or potential electrical system concerns.