2012 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · MT61 XOV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a clear trend of worsening mechanical condition. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 121,096 miles, this followed two consecutive failures within a three-month period. The transition from a clean record in July 2024 to multiple failures in mid-2025 indicates that the vehicle has reached a stage where wear-and-tear components are failing simultaneously, requiring proactive intervention to maintain safety standards. The recorded mileage of 121,096 miles over 14 years averages to approximately 8,650 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a light commercial vehicle. However, the data reveals a significant spike in usage between April 2023 and May 2025, where the vehicle covered nearly 20,000 miles in just 26 months. This rapid accumulation correlates with the sudden appearance of various defects, including engine leaks, suspension wear, and safety failures, suggesting the vehicle is currently under higher operational stress than it was in previous years of its life. A physical inspection must focus on the engine's integrity and the front suspension assembly. The record shows an excessive oil leak in May 2025 that was downgraded to non-excessive by August; a buyer should check for active fluid loss and potential damage to surrounding rubber components. The front lower rear suspension arm bushes were flagged as perished or excessively worn across multiple tests, indicating they likely require replacement to restore vehicle handling stability. Additionally, the misting nearside front shock absorber indicates a failing seal that will eventually require a replacement. Safety-critical items also require close scrutiny. The ABS warning lamp that caused a failure in August 2025 must be verified as resolved to ensure no sensor or module fault remains active. The history of a defective offside seat belt and incompatible LED headlamps suggests a lack of attention to detail in previous maintenance sessions. Given the recurring nature of the suspension and tyre faults, the buyer should inspect the chassis for play in the steering and ensure the tyres have not suffered structural sidewall damage.