2023 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · RF72 MLX

The most recent MOT on 29 January 2026 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, following a failure two days earlier on 27 January 2026 for a major fault with the nearside front seat‑belt buckle and an advisory concerning a nail in the offside rear tyre. The rapid succession of the failure and subsequent pass suggests that the identified safety issues were remedied promptly, indicating an improving maintenance response rather than a deteriorating trend. The absence of any further defects on the pass record points to a generally sound state of the vehicle at the time of testing. At three years old the van has logged 26,944 miles, which works out to just under 9,000 miles per annum – a usage pattern that sits squarely within normal private‑fleet expectations. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would hint at prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension components should be commensurate with a modest annual mileage rather than the accelerated degradation seen on high‑kilometre units. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the repaired nearside front seat‑belt assembly. Verify that the buckle releases cleanly, the latch engages firmly and the retractor winds smoothly without excessive slack or sticking, as any residual fault could compromise occupant safety. Examine the offside rear tyre for signs of the previously noted nail – look for a repaired puncture patch, ensure the tread depth is still within legal limits and that the sidewalls show no cracking or bulging that might indicate hidden damage. During a short test drive, listen for any clunk or squeak from the front seat‑belt mounting points when the belt is fastened and released, and feel for any pull or vibration that could betray a compromised restraint system. Beyond the specific MOT items, conduct the usual age‑related checks on a three‑year‑old light commercial vehicle. Confirm that the tyre DOT code shows the tyres are less than six years old; older rubber can become brittle and prone to failure even with low mileage. Inspect the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and, if possible, have the cranking voltage measured to ensure it still holds a healthy charge. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and test the pedal for a firm, consistent feel without pulsation, which could indicate warped discs or binding calipers. Finally, look over the suspension – check the condition of the front coil springs, rear leaf springs and associated bushes for any signs of sag, cracking or excessive play, and verify that the service book contains regular oil, filter and coolant changes in line with Volkswagen’s recommended intervals. These checks will give a prospective buyer confidence that the van remains mechanically sound and road‑worthy.