2013 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · PL13 FFP

The most recent MOT inspection for this Volkswagen Caddy, conducted in November 2025, resulted in a pass, but the recorded history indicates a concerning downward trend in mechanical maintenance. While the vehicle successfully passed after a failure during the same session, the transition from minor deterioration in previous years to major and dangerous defects in 2025 suggests that maintenance has become reactive rather than preventative. The recent advisories regarding imbalanced braking performance across both front and rear axles, alongside multiple suspension component issues, indicate that the vehicle is currently approaching a phase of significant component replacement. With 108,813 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,370 miles per year. This represents typical, moderate usage for a light commercial vehicle of this age, suggesting it has not been subjected to extreme high-mileage motorway transit nor has it suffered from the excessive degradation often associated with long periods of standing. However, the mileage is high enough that wear and tear on consumable items such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and braking components should be considered well advanced, and the mechanical integrity of the drivetrain and chassis must be closely scrutinised. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the braking system and the rear suspension. The recent advisories for imbalanced brakes at both the front and rear suggest that the calipers may be sticking or that the discs and pads are wearing unevenly. During a test drive, listen for any pulling to one side under braking or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or binding calipers. Furthermore, the recurring advisories for anti-roll bar bushes and shock absorber bushes indicate imminent suspension failure. You should listen for rhythmic clunking or knocking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these symptoms confirm that the rubber components have perished and are no longer providing adequate damping or stability. The history also highlights previous issues with tyre wear and drive shaft boots, which necessitates a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's underside. Check the offside front constant velocity boot for any signs of grease leakage, as a split boot will lead to premature joint failure. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven tread wear, particularly on the inner edges, which would indicate an alignment or geometry issue stemming from the worn suspension components. Given the age and the recorded history of exhaust deterioration, you should also inspect the exhaust system for excessive corrosion or mounting failures. Ensure that any recent repairs to the anti-roll bar linkages and shock absorbers are documented in the service history to confirm that the recent MOT failures have been addressed with quality parts.