2018 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · LL18 FAJ

A completely clean four-year MOT record on this 2018 Volkswagen Caddy is unusual and genuinely reassuring, particularly given the working-van remit these vehicles typically endure. Four consecutive passes with zero advisories and zero failures between June 2022 and April 2025 speaks to a chassis and mechanical package that has remained structurally sound and free of any component the tester felt worth flagging. There is no pattern of recurring brake disc wear, no history of suspension component advisories, no exhaust or corrosion concerns recorded, and no lighting or visibility issues logged. The most recent test on 29 April 2025 confirmed this continuing clean roadworthiness, and the stability of the result across successive tests indicates that wear rates are well managed rather than borderline components being masked between visits. The recorded odometer reading of 135,858 miles against an eight-year registration places annual mileage at roughly 16,982 miles per year, which sits firmly in the high-mileage bracket for a vehicle of this age. This is consistent with a Caddy that has been in regular commercial or fleet use rather than occasional private driving. Mechanically, this level of annual accumulation tends to accelerate wear on consumables and moving parts such as brake pads and discs, clutch friction material, dual-mass flywheel integrity, timing chain stretch and tensioner condition, turbocharger bearings, and the supporting rubber and polyurethane components within the front suspension and anti-roll bar system. The fact that the MOT record shows no advisories at this mileage is therefore notable, because testers typically observe at least the early signs of brake or suspension wear by the time a van has covered this kind of distance. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component flagged as being on the cusp of failure, but the high annual mileage still warrants direct physical inspection of the items that most commonly wear on a working Caddy. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as front wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links and top mounts are known wear items that may not have been recorded as defective but could still be approaching the end of their service life. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would suggest warped front discs, and check for pulling to one side under steady braking that could indicate a binding caliper. Pay attention to clutch take-up feel and any slipping under load, and listen for timing chain rattle on a cold start from the right-hand side of the engine, particularly with the higher-mileage diesel units commonly fitted to this model. Because the MOT history is unusually clean, the inspection focus shifts towards the areas that an MOT does not cover and towards verifying that the absence of advisories reflects genuine condition rather than recent work masking underlying wear. Inspect the underside for any oil leaks from the sump, turbo oil feed lines and injector area, as diesel Caddys at this mileage commonly show weeps that have not yet reached the level of an MOT failure. Check the condition of the cambelt or timing chain service history, as this is critical on a high-mileage example. Examine the rear leaf spring mounts and axle bushings for cracking or sagging, and confirm there is no body corrosion around the rear wheel arches, sills or under the sliding door, which is a common failure point on commercial vans regardless of MOT outcome. A corroborating service record demonstrating regular oil and filter changes at sensible intervals will carry substantial weight in confirming the mechanical integrity that this clean MOT history suggests.