2008 Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L Diesel · OE08 XOX

The Volkswagen Caddy most recently passed its MOT on 20 August 2025 at 133,162 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is broadly stable yet stubbornly unresolved. The tester flagged a corroded offside front coil spring, reduced damping effect on both rear shock absorbers, external casing damage to both rear shock absorbers, worn rear anti-roll bar bushes, and corroded rear brake hose ferrules. Rear brake pads were also noted as wearing thin. While none of these items caused a failure in the most recent test, their persistence across multiple years indicates a pattern of managed wear rather than proactive renewal. The vehicle remains roadworthy under the current certificate, but several advisories are edging toward the point where they will require attention. Mileage accumulation sits at roughly 7,400 miles per year, which is typical for an 18-year-old light commercial vehicle. The record shows a gap of approximately 17 months between the July 2022 pass at 125,133 miles and the February 2024 failure at 129,883 miles, representing around 4,750 miles in that period. This suggests lighter use or possible standing time during that interval. From February 2024 onward, the mileage increased by 3,173 miles over roughly 16 months to the August 2025 pass, which is consistent with regular local or regional use. The MOT history itself is fairly consistent, with tests recorded in 2022, 2024, and 2025, though the gap between 2022 and 2024 is notable and worth clarifying with the seller. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and braking components. Both rear shock absorbers have carried advisories for casing damage and reduced damping since at least June 2025, and the rear anti-roll bar bushes have been flagged as worn across multiple tests. The rear leaf spring shackle pins and bushes show slight wear on both sides, and the rear brake hoses have repeatedly presented corroded ferrules. These are not immediate failures, but they point to a vehicle that has spent time working hard without full suspension renewal. The offside front coil spring corrosion has appeared consistently since 2022, and the February 2024 failure recorded a fractured nearside front coil spring that was subsequently repaired. Any inspection should check both coil springs carefully for fresh corrosion or cracking, particularly around the lower mounting points. The braking system warrants close attention as well. Rear brake pads have been flagged as wearing thin in three consecutive tests from February 2024 through August 2025, and the rear brake hoses continue to attract corrosion advisories. A buyer should verify the thickness of the rear pads and examine the condition of the rear hose ferrules and metal pipework for pitting. The seat belt webbing advisories on the offside front and rear, noted in both June 2025 and August 2025, are minor but should be checked for progressive fraying. Overall, the Caddy presents as a working vehicle that has been kept running rather than cosmetically maintained, and a thorough underbody inspection is essential before purchase.