2015 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · PO65 VZE

The Volkswagen Caddy’s most recent MOT test on 17 September 2024—just under a year ago—confirmed full roadworthiness with no defects recorded. This places the vehicle comfortably within the DVSA’s 12-month pass period, though the preceding August 2023 failure (139,674 miles) stands as an anomaly in an otherwise clean record. The September 2023 retest passed without issue, suggesting the failure was likely a minor oversight rather than a persistent mechanical flaw. No advisories or recurring issues appear in the history, which implies the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level without significant neglect. However, the 2023 failure—despite passing the retest—warries scrutiny of components that might have been overlooked or were at the threshold of failure. The recorded mileage of 168,278 miles over 11 years equates to an average of approximately 15,300 miles annually, which is elevated for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests—covering 24,206 miles in just over a year—suggests either intensive use or prolonged periods without intermediate servicing. The August 2023 failure at 139,674 miles, just two days before the retest, indicates a potential rush to pass the MOT without addressing underlying wear. While the vehicle has not exceeded the 60,000-mile interval between MOTs, the high mileage accumulation raises concerns about accelerated wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers, which are critical components in such a heavily used vehicle. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear trailing arms and bushings, which are prone to wear at this mileage. The brakes—though never explicitly failed—should be checked for uneven pad thickness, binding calipers, or warped discs, especially if the vehicle has been driven hard. Corrosion at wheel arches, subframes, and sills is another critical area; the absence of advisories does not guarantee its absence, particularly given the vehicle’s age and exposure. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for leaks or excessive rust, as catalytic converter failure is a common late-stage issue in diesel models of this era. The 2023 failure suggests basic upkeep may have been inconsistent, so verifying service records for brake fluid changes, differential fluid, and timing belt (if applicable) is essential.