2018 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · FG68 AEF

This Volkswagen Caddy has demonstrated a stable but inconsistent roadworthiness pattern over the past two years, with the most recent test on 2026-02-13 passing without defects despite a near-miss failure just the day before. The repeated failures in February 2026—both at 133,553 and 133,558 miles—are unusual, as no specific faults were recorded, suggesting either a minor administrative oversight or a test centre anomaly. However, the preceding MOT history from 2024 and 2025 shows consistent passes with no advisories, indicating the vehicle has not suffered from persistent mechanical issues. The lack of recurring faults in the official record implies that major components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers have not been compromised, but the abrupt retesting warrants scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests or simply held for re-inspection. The recorded mileage of 133,558 miles over eight years—approximately 16,700 miles annually—is significantly higher than the UK average for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either intensive commercial use or prolonged periods of high-mileage operation. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs (12,366 miles in 13 months) and the subsequent 2025–2026 interval (7,437 miles in 12 months) shows a slight deceleration in mileage accumulation, though the overall trend remains aggressive. Such high mileage demands thorough inspection of high-wear items, particularly if the vehicle was used in mixed urban and heavy-duty conditions. The absence of advisories in prior tests does not preclude gradual degradation in components like brake discs, exhaust systems, or steering linkages, which are prone to fatigue over extended use. Given the lack of specific failures in the MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear axle alignment and condition of rear wheel bearings, as binding brakes were not explicitly ruled out in the retest. The near-consecutive failures in February 2026 also necessitate checking for recent servicing records—especially brake fluid condition, hydraulic system integrity, and tyre tread uniformity—to confirm whether any pre-test maintenance was performed. Structural integrity should be assessed for signs of corrosion in wheel arches, subframes, or sills, particularly if the vehicle was exposed to salted roads or stored outdoors. Consumables like brake pads, wiper blades, and cabin filters should be replaced if worn, but the primary focus should be on verifying that no hidden faults—such as leaking differentials or worn CV joints—have been overlooked due to the lack of test defects.