2011 Volkswagen Crafter 2.5L Diesel · KS11 DSE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While it passed the most recent September 2025 test at 147,486 miles, the failure just eight days prior highlights significant issues with deferred maintenance. The tester previously flagged excessive corrosion on both rear brake pipes and a worn nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. This suggests that components are only addressed once they reach the point of legal failure, a trend that often leads to escalating mechanical degradation. The recorded mileage of 147,486 miles is consistent with the vehicle's fifteen-year age, averaging to approximately 10,000 miles per annum. The data shows steady usage, with roughly 7,000 miles covered between September 2023 and September 2024, and another 5,000 miles in the year leading to the latest test. This consistent accumulation indicates the vehicle has not sat idle for long periods, which is generally positive for rubber components but explains the persistent wear seen on the suspension and braking system. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and chassis. The recurring reports of corrosion on the rear brake pipes, noted in both 2024 and 2025, indicate a high environment for rust that may extend beyond the flagged lines. Additionally, the persistent oil leak mentioned in both 2024 and 2025, while currently not excessive, requires a close look at the engine seals and sump housing to ensure there is no active failure beyond a minor seepage. Given the history of binding brakes and worn ball joints, the entire front and rear suspension assembly and caliper hardware should be checked for play and uneven wear.