2018 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · ND18 ACV

The Volkswagen Caddy’s roadworthiness record shows a clear pattern of recurring mechanical neglect, with the most recent MOT in February 2026 marking only the second consecutive pass after two failures. The February 2026 pass at 41,549 miles is encouraging, but the immediate prior failure at 41,543 miles—just five days earlier—reveals unresolved issues: binding front brakes, critically worn brake discs, and tyre failures. The engine management light (MIL) also persisted, indicating an unresolved emissions or drivability fault. This suggests that while the vehicle may have been repaired to pass the latest test, the underlying problems—particularly with the braking system and tyres—were not fully addressed in prior attempts. The history of repeated tyre failures, including sidewall damage and cuts exposing ply, points to either aggressive driving or a history of underinflation, both of which accelerate wear. The Caddy’s mileage of 41,549 over eight years is unusually low, averaging just over 5,000 miles annually, which typically suggests light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gaps between MOTs are irregular: the vehicle went from 26,213 miles in March 2024 to 35,259 miles by February 2025—a span of over a year with no recorded test. This could imply the car was stored or used sparingly, but the repeated MOT failures during that period (two tests in February 2025, one pass and one fail) indicate that when driven, it was not maintained properly. The lack of mileage accumulation also means components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust systems may not have reached typical wear thresholds, but their condition cannot be assumed—rust, binding, or fatigue could still be present despite low mileage. For a buyer, the most critical areas to inspect in person are the front braking system and tyre condition. The February 2026 failure records binding front brakes and severely worn discs, which could mean warped rotors, contaminated calipers, or seized components—all of which require professional assessment. The repeated tyre failures, including sidewall cracking and cuts, suggest a history of neglect that may have compromised wheel alignment or suspension geometry. Beyond brakes and tyres, the persistent MIL fault demands immediate diagnosis, as it could relate to emissions-related sensors, oxygen sensors, or even engine management issues that may affect fuel efficiency or emissions compliance. Structural checks for corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and suspension mounts, are also prudent given the vehicle’s age, even with low mileage. The absence of defects in the March 2024 MOT is misleading; the subsequent failures indicate that maintenance was deferred rather than properly executed.