2008 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · HW08 CDU

The Volkswagen Caddy’s most recent MOT test on 2026-02-03—just five months ago—confirms it passed with no defects recorded at 107,405 miles. While the absence of failures in the latest cycle suggests it currently meets roadworthiness standards, the history reveals an unusual pattern: two consecutive retests in February 2025 and February 2024, both ending in failure before eventual passes. This inconsistency implies either a narrow margin of compliance or a temporary oversight in pre-test preparation, rather than a stable or deteriorating trend. The lack of recurring advisories or defects in the last two passes does not rule out latent issues, particularly in high-wear components like suspension bushes or brake calipers, which often fail intermittently without clear MOT indicators. The recorded mileage of 107,405 miles over 18 years equates to approximately 6,000 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a commercial van of this age. The gaps between tests—exactly 12 months apart—suggest the vehicle was either lightly used or stood idle for prolonged periods, which can accelerate certain forms of deterioration, such as suspension corrosion or tyre degradation. Notably, the mileage remained static between the failed and passed tests in 2024 and 2025, implying the retests were not due to further mileage accumulation but likely procedural or mechanical adjustments. This stagnation could indicate the van was not actively serviced during these periods, raising questions about the maintenance discipline of previous owners. Given the retest history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—where wear often goes undetected until failure. The repeated failures in February suggest potential issues with braking systems, possibly binding calipers or unevenly worn discs, which may not have been fully addressed between tests. Structural integrity should also be scrutinised, especially around wheel arches and underbody, as prolonged inactivity can exacerbate corrosion. While the MOT record shows no recent defects, the van’s age and low mileage pattern warrant verification of fluid levels (brakes, power steering, coolant) and tyre condition, as these are often neglected in lightly driven vehicles. Independent checks of the exhaust system for leaks and the electricals for intermittent faults would further clarify the vehicle’s true condition.