2014 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · LS64 BDE

The most recent MOT on 8 November 2025 was passed, but it was accompanied by several advisories covering the outer integral body structure, a faulty parking‑brake lever button, corroded rear backing plates and a severely deteriorated off‑side front driveshaft CV boot. Earlier in the series there were two outright failures in 2022 (fractured front lower coil spring) and 2021 (multiple anti‑roll‑bar and headlamp‑aim faults). Since the 2022 failure the vehicle has consistently passed the test, yet the volume of recurring advisories – particularly to the suspension, anti‑roll‑bar linkages and body sills – indicates a maintenance trend that is stabilising enough to meet the legal minimum but still shows ongoing wear that has not been fully addressed. At 164 485 miles the Caddy has logged roughly 13 700 miles per annum, a usage rate well above the average for a 2014 model. Such mileage accelerates the fatigue life of suspension components, bushings and anti‑roll‑bar joints, and it also promotes corrosion on structural elements that are frequently exposed to road spray. The high annual accumulation suggests the vehicle has been driven extensively rather than sitting idle, which means consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and engine oil will have been replaced more often, but it also raises the likelihood of hidden wear in areas that are not routinely inspected, for example the lower coil springs, CV joints and the integrity of the sills. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the outer sills on both sides; although the MOT notes that structural rigidity is not significantly reduced, any flex, audible creaking when the steering is turned sharply or a perceptible “tap‑tap” from the wheel arches could signal progressive deformation or corrosion that may eventually require panel reinforcement or replacement. The off‑side front driveshaft CV boot should be examined for grease leakage and torn rubber, and a short test‑drive at low speed with the steering wheel turned fully left and right will reveal any whine or clicking that points to a failing CV joint. The parking‑brake lever’s lack of a release button can lead to a dragging handbrake; verify that the handbrake fully releases and that the pedal feels firm. The rear backing plates should be inspected for rust pits that could weaken the mounting of the rear axle, and the anti‑roll‑bar linkages and rear bar bushes, which have been flagged repeatedly for slight play, ought to be checked for excessive movement or knocking when cornering or when the suspension is compressed. Finally, confirm the condition of the braking system – the inner discs were noted as worn but not excessively in 2023, so a visual inspection for scoring and a road test for any pulsation or shudder under braking are essential. Tyre tread depth and sidewall integrity should be measured, as the front tyres were already close to the legal limit in 2020; age‑related cracking can occur even on relatively low‑wear tyres. Given the vehicle’s age, a battery load test, a check of coolant, brake and power‑steering fluid condition and a review of the service book for timely oil changes are prudent. Addressing the CV boot, any remaining anti‑roll‑bar play, the parking‑brake lever and the sills now will help avoid more costly structural or drivetrain repairs in the near future.