2016 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · GD16 VLP

The 2016 Volkswagen Crafter’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-23 was passed with no recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround from its previous failures in 2024 and 2023. However, the overall maintenance history reveals a pattern of recurring issues, particularly in the suspension and lighting systems, which have persisted across multiple MOTs. While the vehicle has passed recent tests, the presence of persistent advisories—such as worn anti-roll bar linkage bushes and reduced damping in the front shock absorbers—suggests ongoing mechanical wear that may require closer attention. The failure of headlamps and marker lamps in prior years indicates a potential electrical or wiring issue that could recur, warranting thorough inspection of the lighting circuit and fuses before purchase. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 121,614 miles over roughly ten years equates to an annual usage rate of approximately 12,161 miles, which is unusually high for its age. Such elevated mileage typically accelerates wear on critical components like suspension bushes, brake systems, and drivetrain elements, which aligns with the recurring advisories and failures observed in the MOT history. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular use, potentially leading to accelerated degradation of consumables such as brake pads, tyres, and fluids. Additionally, prolonged exposure to road conditions and environmental factors may contribute to corrosion in the brake pipes and other metal components, as noted in the 2024 MOT advisory. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the suspension system and braking components, given the recurring wear issues. The anti-roll bar linkage bushes, which failed major tests in 2024 and 2023, are prone to excessive movement or failure, leading to clunking noises from the rear suspension during cornering or over bumps. Listen for any irregular clunks or rattles in the rear axle area, and visually inspect the bushes for signs of wear or cracking. The front shock absorbers, which showed reduced damping in prior MOTs, may exhibit poor ride quality, with the vehicle feeling spongy or unstable under acceleration or braking. Test for excessive body roll by cornering sharply and checking for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate misaligned suspension geometry or worn struts. In addition to the mechanical checks, the brake system warrants thorough inspection. The presence of corrosion on the offside rear brake pipe and the advisory of worn front brake discs suggest potential issues with moisture ingress or standing corrosion, which can compromise brake performance. Inspect the brake discs for pitting, warping, or binding, and check for any binding calipers that may restrict disc movement. The tyres, which were worn close to the legal limit in prior MOTs, should be examined for uneven wear patterns, sidewall damage, or signs of perishing, particularly given the vehicle’s age. Since the vehicle has accumulated high mileage, consider checking the fluid levels and condition of the brake fluid, suspension fluid, and coolant, as these fluids degrade over time and can lead to system failures if not serviced. Finally, verify the service history for the anti-roll bars, suspension bushes, and brake components, as these items often require replacement at specific mileage or usage intervals. If the service book is missing or incomplete, arrange for a professional inspection to confirm compliance with manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.