2013 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · RO13 OUH

A clear pattern of front and rear brake deterioration dominates the MOT history of this 2013 Volkswagen Caddy, with both brake discs and pads featuring repeatedly across multiple test cycles. The most recent test on 10 March 2026 documents a pass alongside advisories for worn, pitted, and scored central and offside front brake discs, but that pass was achieved only after the vehicle initially failed the same day with both rear brake discs recorded as dangerously weakened. Earlier rear brake disc wear advisories appeared in 2025 and 2022, indicating the disc condition has been a recurring concern rather than an isolated event. The 2023 failure included a fractured offside rear leaf spring alongside a non-functional front position lamp and an inadequate windscreen washer, both of which had also been flagged as Major defects on the 2022 test. Taken together, the record shows a commercial vehicle with chronic brake wear, recurring lighting issues, and structural suspension deterioration that has warranted repeated advisories rather than a single isolated incident. Mileage has accumulated at a steady pace for a vehicle of this age and class, with 147,462 miles recorded across approximately thirteen years, equating to around 11,343 miles per year. This is broadly typical for a Caddy of this generation, which is frequently used for light commercial duties, and the annual accumulation does not suggest long periods of standing or unusually heavy use. There are no significant unexplained gaps between test dates, and mileage progression between the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026 tests appears consistent with regular driving. While this level of usage is unremarkable in volume, the mechanical load on braking, suspension, and steering components will still reflect the cumulative mileage, particularly given the recorded brake and suspension defects. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the brake system during a test drive and inspection, focusing on whether the front discs have been replaced since the March 2026 advisories and whether the rear discs have been renewed following the dangerous failure. Any judder through the brake pedal, pulling to one side under retardation, or grinding noises from the front or rear wheels would indicate that brake work has not been completed to a satisfactory level. The nearside rear and offside rear brake components should be visually examined for lipping, scoring, and corrosion around the disc edges, and the handbrake should be tested on an incline to confirm effective rear braking. Given the fractured rear leaf spring failure in 2023, the rear axle should be inspected for any sagging, uneven ride height, or knocking over uneven road surfaces, and the spring hangers and U-bolts should be checked for cracks or movement. Suspension and steering components also warrant close evaluation, as the 2025 test noted wear in the rear anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, and the 2023 and 2022 records flagged front tyre wear close to the legal limit and inner edge wear on multiple occasions. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven B-roads, and check for uneven or premature front tyre wear, which could indicate worn wishbone bushes, top mounts, or tracking issues. The front and rear tyres should be inspected for cracking, perishing, and sidewall damage consistent with the recurring advisories, and replacements should be matched in size and load rating suitable for a commercial vehicle. Finally, confirm that the position lamp, headlamp lens, registration plate lamp, and windscreen washer issues recorded across 2022, 2023, and 2026 have been resolved, and verify the windscreen damage remains minor and outside the driver's critical viewing zone before purchase.