2020 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI 2.0L Diesel · GD70 AFJ

The Volkswagen Crafter in question presents a stable roadworthiness record over its recent MOT history, with the most critical test—December 2025 at 62,456 miles—showing no defects whatsoever. This clean pass follows a brief but puzzling anomaly in December 2024, where the vehicle failed a test at 61,192 miles before passing again just five days later at 61,205 miles with no recorded issues. The absence of defects in the three preceding tests, including the November 2023 pass at 47,103 miles, suggests that any failure in late 2024 was likely administrative or minor enough to be rectified swiftly. The December 2025 result confirms the vehicle met all DVSA requirements for emissions, brakes, lights, and structural integrity at the time of testing, though the lack of advisories means there’s no indication of pending wear. The mileage accumulation reflects typical usage for a commercial vehicle of this age, averaging around 10,409 miles per year over six years. The gap between the November 2023 test (47,103 miles) and the December 2024 tests (61,192–61,205 miles) suggests a period of reduced activity or potential storage, as the vehicle covered roughly 14,000 miles in just over a year. This slower pace could imply seasonal or intermittent use, which may have contributed to the overall lower mileage for its age. The absence of rapid mileage spikes or extreme variations indicates the vehicle hasn’t been subjected to heavy or irregular workloads that might accelerate component wear. Given the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should still prioritise a thorough inspection of key wear points, particularly the suspension system—specifically the coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings—since these are common failure areas in commercial vans and often not fully assessed in a basic MOT. The brakes, while not flagged in the records, should be tested for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle has seen varied loading. Exhaust emissions and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) warrant attention, as these can fail silently between tests if the vehicle has been driven predominantly on short journeys or stood unused for extended periods. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and underseal, should be checked for any signs of rust penetration, as the MOT does not always catch early-stage deterioration in these areas. The absence of advisories in the past two years is encouraging, but a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic remains essential to confirm no deferred repairs or hidden defects exist.