2012 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · LS12 AMO

The most recent MOT inspection on 25 April 2026 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, which suggests a positive recent trend in the vehicle's maintenance regime. Looking back through the history, the vehicle has moved from a period of notable mechanical issues in 2022 and 2023, including a dangerous failure for a missing anti-roll bar and a major exhaust leak, to a much cleaner status in the last two years. This transition from multiple advisories and failures to consecutive clean passes indicates that significant repairs and corrective maintenance have likely been undertaken, bringing the vehicle back into a more stable and reliable condition. With 194,224 miles recorded on a 14-year-old vehicle, the average annual mileage of approximately 13,873 miles is relatively high for a light commercial vehicle of this age. This high mileage implies that the engine and drivetrain have been subjected to consistent, heavy use, which typically accelerates the wear of consumable components such as clutch assemblies, timing belts, and suspension bushings. While the high mileage suggests the vehicle has not been sitting idle, which is generally beneficial for preventing component seizure, it also means that the mechanical integrity of the engine and gearbox should be the primary focus during your inspection. During your test drive, you must pay close attention to the suspension and tyre condition, as the history shows recurring advisories regarding tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges. This pattern often indicates issues with wheel alignment or worn suspension bushes, which can cause uneven tread wear and unpredictable handling. Listen closely for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces, which could signal that the anti-roll bar or other suspension components require further attention despite the recent clean MOT. You should also check the tyre sidewalls for any signs of perishing or cracking, as high-mileage vehicles can sometimes have older rubber that lacks sufficient grip despite having adequate tread depth. Given the previous advisory regarding an oil leak and pitted brake discs, you should conduct a thorough visual inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage for any fresh signs of fluid seepage. Check the brake discs for excessive corrosion or scoring and ensure that the braking performance is smooth, without any shuddering or pulling to one side, which could indicate binding calipers or warped discs. Because of the high mileage and age, it is also essential to verify the service history to ensure that critical fluid changes, such as the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, have been performed according to manufacturer intervals rather than just relying on the MOT pass status.