2015 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · RF64 HWH

A discernible pattern of front suspension and undercarriage wear has emerged across the recent MOT history of this 2015 Volkswagen Caddy, culminating in a dangerous tyre failure at the most recent attempt. The June 2026 pass followed immediately after a 26 May 2026 failure where a nearside rear tyre exhibited structural separation with visible cracked cords and was deforming, a classification that warrants immediate prohibition from road use. The same test recorded a major defect on the nearside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, which had failed to prevent dirt ingress, alongside advisories for an offside front tyre worn to 2mm and rear brake pads wearing thin. Earlier in May 2026, the vehicle failed on both nearside and offside front wishbone bushes, which were recorded as excessively worn, before passing a re-test the same day with no further advisories. The 2024 test similarly flagged rear brake pad wear, suggesting that braking consumables are being monitored closely and that the braking system warrants direct attention prior to purchase. With eight recorded tests over the MOT history and a recorded mileage of 229,609 miles against an age of roughly eleven years, this Caddy has covered approximately 20,800 miles annually, a workload well above average for a light commercial vehicle of this era and one that places considerable demand on suspension, drivetrain and braking components. There are noticeable clusters in the testing record, with three entries in May 2026 alone and two in May 2023, which is consistent with a commercial or fleet vehicle undergoing pre-test rectification rather than unusual usage. The high cumulative mileage combined with multiple front suspension advisories within a short window indicates that bushes, anti-roll bar components and tyre shoulder wear are operating under sustained load and are likely to be the primary cost areas going forward. A prospective buyer should carry out a focused road test paying particular attention to the front suspension, as the May 2026 advisories for both wishbone bushes and the anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover are symptomatic of components that have completed a full wear cycle on high-mileage vehicles. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces and during full-lock manoeuvres, and feel for vagueness in the steering or any reluctance to self-centre, all of which can indicate perished or displaced bushes. Inspect the offside front tyre closely for shoulder wear, as it was recorded at 2mm on the latest test, and check that any replacement has been fitted to all four wheels, given that the nearside rear tyre failed structurally. The 2026 dangerous failure warrants confirming whether the wheel, tyre and any surrounding bodywork suffered secondary damage at the time of the blowout. The braking system requires a thorough evaluation on a test drive, as rear brake pad wear has been flagged on two consecutive tests in 2024 and 2026, suggesting a pattern of accelerated pad consumption. Test the pedal for any sponginess, excessive travel or judder under firm application, which could point to worn discs, a binding caliper or compromised brake lines, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. With the cumulative mileage recorded, it is also prudent to listen for any drivetrain abnormalities such as transmission whine, clutch slip under load or excessive vibration at speed, and to inspect the underside for any oil leaks from the engine or transmission. The MOT record itself cannot confirm service history or maintenance quality, so obtaining documentary evidence of cambelt, clutch and dual-mass flywheel replacement intervals would be advisable given the workload this vehicle has clearly endured.