2020 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI 2.0L Diesel · L11 TBN

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2020 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI was conducted on 31 July 2026, resulting in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This follows an equally clean pass on 30 July 2025 and a pass on 10 September 2024 that immediately followed a same-day retest after an earlier failure. Looking at the broader five-year history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable and currently improving, with the two most recent tests both returning entirely defect-free results. The single failure in September 2024 was largely electrical in nature relating to the nearside headlamp dipped beam and side repeater, alongside an offside front brake binding issue that was categorised as Major, while a corresponding Advisory was issued for the nearside front brake. These were rectified sufficiently to pass the retest on the same day, and there has been no recurrence of any of those items in the two tests since. The only persistent advisory across the entire record is a minor engine oil leak noted in May 2023, which has not been flagged again, suggesting it is either very slow or has been addressed. With 78,921 miles recorded over approximately six years, this Crafter is averaging around 13,154 miles per annum, which is high for a vehicle of its age and at the upper end of typical commercial usage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record to suggest prolonged periods off the road, indicating a vehicle that has been in consistent service. High annual mileage on a large panel van of this type places considerable cumulative demand on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, injectors and DMF-related driveline components, as well as on the braking system, suspension bushes, coil springs, wheel bearings and the rear leaf or helper spring arrangement if specified. It is also worth noting that diesel vans of this age and mileage are particularly susceptible to EGR valve carbon build-up, Diesel Particulate Filter face-plugging and AdBlue system faults, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection should include a live diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes relating to emissions control systems. Given the high-mileage commercial context, even though the MOT record is clean, a prospective buyer should carry out several targeted physical inspections beyond the statutory test. Inspect the brake discs and pads through the wheels for wear ridge, lipping, and any scoring indicative of binding calipers, paying particular attention to the offside front brake that previously showed binding. Check the tyres not only for tread depth but also for uneven wear patterns across the axle, which would point to worn suspension bushes, weakened springs or tracking misalignment from frequent laden use. Examine the underside of the engine and gearbox for any seepage from the sump, cam cover, turbo oil feed pipes and the rear main seal, recalling that an engine oil leak was flagged in 2023. Test the operation of all lighting including dipped beam, main beam, side repeaters, indicators and number plate illumination, as these were the source of the previous failure. Listen during a cold start for any injector rattle, timing chain chatter, or excessive turbo whistle, and on the test drive confirm smooth clutch take-up without slipping or judder, positive gear selection, and the absence of any clonks from the suspension over speed bumps or on full lock steering. Additional age and mileage related checks should include verification of the full service book history, with particular emphasis on the timing belt replacement interval, as the 2.0 litre TDI unit fitted to the Crafter has a manufacturer-specified cam belt change that, if overdue, can result in catastrophic engine damage. Inspect the condition and age stamping on all tyres, as even tyres with adequate tread can suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking after several years in service, especially on a vehicle that may have been parked outdoors. Check the 12 volt battery health and the condition of the charging system, as commercial vehicles that complete many short start-stop cycles place heavy demand on battery life and alternator output. Confirm the age of the brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil in line with manufacturer schedules, as these fluids degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. Finally, examine the rear load floor, side panels and underside structure for any corrosion, repair work or evidence of accident damage, and confirm that the AdBlue system has been regularly topped up, as neglect of this can lead to expensive SCR catalyst failure and prevent the vehicle from starting.