2016 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · OV66 LYY

The defining mechanical story of this 2016 Volkswagen Caddy centres on a steady accumulation of brake and tyre wear advisories across consecutive tests, pointing to consumables that are being worked consistently rather than any single major structural concern. Across seven recorded MOT tests since 2019, the vehicle has passed every time, with the most recent test on 14 October 2025 also returning a pass alongside an advisory for a worn rear inner anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, plus a minor defect for an inoperative offside registration plate lamp. Earlier passes in 2024, 2022 and 2020 flagged front and rear brake pads wearing thin, front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both sides, and a near-side front tyre worn on edge, while the intervening 2023 and 2021 tests recorded no defects at all. The pattern suggests a working vehicle whose braking and tyre components are being monitored closely, with the latest anti-roll bar linkage advisory being the first suspension-related item to appear and therefore worth particular attention on a prospective inspection. Recorded mileage stands at 94,805 miles against a ten-year age, which equates to roughly 9,480 miles per year on average, a figure that sits within typical parameters for a Caddy of this vintage and is consistent with its role as a light commercial or family carrier. There are no significant gaps in the testing record, with annual tests consistently recorded from late 2019 through to autumn 2025, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular service throughout this period without any extended off-road lay-up that might otherwise raise concerns about dormant corrosion, brake seizure or fluid degradation. The steady annual mileage accumulation suggests the engine, clutch, turbo and drivetrain components have been worked consistently rather than left to deteriorate through inactivity, which generally favours longevity of seals, bearings and internal lubrication, though it does mean wear items such as dual-mass flywheels, turbo actuator mechanisms and injector balance have been exercised across a meaningful proportion of their service life. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items should follow directly from the recorded advisories. On a test drive, listen and feel for any knocking or clonking from the rear anti-roll bar area when traversing broken surfaces or speed humps, as the flagged linkage pin or bush wear can progress to excessive movement and produce audible rattling over undulating roads; visually inspect the bar drop links and their rubber bushes for any splitting, perishing or visible play when the wheel is unloaded. Pay close attention to brake feel, checking for any pedal judder under firm application which would suggest warped front discs, and listen for any scraping or grinding from the front calipers which may indicate pad material worn down to backing plate given the 2020 advisories on all three near-side front and offside rear inner pads. Test the handbrake on an incline as rear drum-in-disc or drum assemblies on commercial-spec Caddys can seize if infrequently used, and verify straight-line stability under braking to rule out any binding caliper pulling the vehicle to one side. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should include a close examination of the front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, as both 2022 advisories noted inner-edge wear on both sides which can indicate worn suspension bushes, strut top bearings or slightly misaligned geometry rather than simple tyre ageing. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leakage from the power steering rack, which is a known wear point on higher-mileage T5 platform vehicles, and check the condition of the brake pipes and fuel lines for any surface corrosion, particularly along the underbody where road salt can accumulate. Confirm that the registration plate lamp issue noted as a minor defect in 2025 has been rectified, and ensure the windscreen damage flagged in 2020 has not progressed to a position that would now fall outside the driver's swept view. Finally, request a current diagnostic read for any stored fault codes relating to the diesel particulate filter, EGR valve and turbocharger, as these are common service items on the Caddy range once mileage exceeds the 90,000 mark, and verify that any previous brake pad replacements have been carried out with matching caliper slide pin servicing to prevent the uneven wear pattern already evident in the recorded advisories.