2007 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · EU57 LUY

A pattern of suspension component wear and recurring windscreen washer failures dominates the mechanical history of this 2007 Volkswagen Caddy, making it the defining concern for any prospective buyer. Across three separate tests spanning 2017 to 2024, advisories have flagged deteriorated or worn front suspension components including lower wishbone rear bushes, anti-roll bar bushes, and ball joint dust covers, with the 2024-10-18 test noting movement at both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm pins or bushes. The most recent test on 2024-10-18 returned a pass, but this followed a 2024-06-20 failure where major defects were recorded against both windscreen wipers, both washer jets, and the nearside mirror. Prior to that, a 2020-07-10 failure recorded washer insufficiency, a cut nearside rear tyre deep enough to reach the ply or cords, an anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failure, and a non-functioning central rear stop lamp, while the 2019-03-19 failure captured excessive exhaust emissions, a nearside windscreen defect affecting the driver's view, an insufficient washer, a deeply cut offside front tyre, and a lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover failure. Across six tests recorded since 2019, two failures have occurred, both featuring washer system problems alongside other significant defects. Mileage progression indicates a usage profile consistent with light commercial or utility duties typical of the Caddy platform, with the 130,449 recorded miles spread across roughly nineteen years equating to approximately 6,866 miles annually. There is, however, a notable testing gap between the 2021-07-21 pass and the 2024-06-20 failure, a period of approximately three years with no recorded MOT interaction, followed by two tests within the same year. Such a compressed testing pattern at the end of a gap can sometimes reflect either delayed return to road use or accumulated defects being addressed rapidly. The mileage context itself sits broadly within expected range for a vehicle of this age and body type, meaning wear patterns observed in the suspension, tyres, and emissions systems are consistent with a working vehicle rather than exceptionally high mileage stress, but also confirms that consumables and chassis components have seen genuine service life. Prospective buyers should treat the suspension advisories as the highest priority inspection area. With both front lower arm pins or bushes noted as worn at the most recent test and wishbone rear bushes previously flagged as splitting, a test drive should focus on listening for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feeling for vagueness or wandering in the steering response. The rear anti-roll bar pin and bush play noted in 2017 and the front shock absorber light misting noted in 2019 should be rechecked, as oil seepage from a shock will progress over time and a knocking noise from the rear over bumps would suggest the anti-roll bar bushes have worn further. Given the recurring washer system failures across 2019, 2020, and 2024, the washer bottle, pump, and jet alignment warrant confirmation during pre-purchase checks, and the wiper linkage should be operated to verify smooth function rather than assuming the 2024 rectification remains serviceable. Additional items flagged in the record deserve direct verification. The headlamp lens film noted on both sides in 2024-10-18 will likely have worsened and should be inspected for light output reduction in low-light conditions. Exhaust emissions have exceeded the manufacturer's specified limit on two recorded occasions, in 2019 and 2020, suggesting the catalyst, lambda sensors, or engine management may benefit from diagnostic interrogation to confirm current compliance. The steering column top bearing slight wear noted in 2017, along with the offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failure recorded in 2020, should both be confirmed as resolved or factored into negotiation. Finally, tyres have been flagged for cuts on multiple occasions across 2019 and 2020, including instances where the cuts reached the ply or cords, so a thorough inspection of all four tyres plus the spare for sidewall damage, tread depth, and age-related cracking is advisable given the vehicle's nineteen years of service.