1998 Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L Diesel · S431 AHO
1998 Volkswagen Caddy (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 150,177 miles. MOT expired on 10 Aug 2024.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN CADDY
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 150,177 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S431 AHO Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/08/2023
- 150,177 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S431 AHO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Volkswagen Caddy (S431 AHO) between March 2023 and August 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 August 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Brake prescribed area is excessively corroded (1.1.21 (e) (i))”; “Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed Outer side wall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))”.
S431 AHO Mileage History
- 25/03/2023150,171 mi
- 12/08/2023150,177 mi+6 mi
Average of roughly 16 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution is advised – the vehicle has a low mileage for its age but a history of serious MOT failures and corrosion that could lead to costly repairs.
When considering this Caddy, request a full service history and look for recent work on the brakes, suspension and corrosion repair. Evidence of new brake discs, repaired suspension mounts, or rust treatment would mitigate many of the MOT concerns. Pay particular attention to the condition of the battery and wiring, as the 2019 MOT flagged a leaking and insecure battery. If the seller can provide receipts for recent tyre replacement and brake servicing, you will have a stronger negotiating position.
Given the number of advisory and major items related to corrosion (e.g., excessive corrosion on rear suspension mounting areas in 2016 and 2019), a thorough rust inspection is essential. Any rust that has compromised structural integrity could be costly to rectify. Expect to negotiate a lower price to cover the anticipated repair work, or consider walking away if the seller cannot demonstrate that the vehicle has been professionally restored.
Finally, verify the vehicle’s MOT certificates against the odometer reading to ensure there is no mileage discrepancy. A vehicle of this age should have a documented history of regular oil changes and diesel filter replacements. If the paperwork is incomplete, treat this as a red flag.
The 1.9‑litre diesel engine in a Caddy of this vintage typically delivers around 45‑50 mpg, giving fuel costs of roughly £1,200‑£1,400 per year based on average UK diesel prices and a 10,000‑mile annual run. Road tax for a diesel van of this size falls into the lower band, usually around £150 per year. Insurance groups for older Caddies are generally in the mid‑teens (group 14‑16), translating to an annual premium of £600‑£800 depending on driver profile. Maintenance on a vehicle with known corrosion and brake issues can add another £300‑£400 a year, bringing the total estimated running cost to £2,250‑£2,750.
Inspect the front and rear brake discs closely – the MOT records repeatedly note worn, pitted discs and insufficient brake travel, which can affect stopping distance. Check for any signs of brake fluid leaks or damaged brake hoses, especially on the off‑side rear where a major failure was recorded in 2023.
Examine the suspension mounting points for corrosion, particularly the rear suspension components that were flagged as excessively corroded in 2016, 2019 and 2020. Look for rust on the chassis and underbody, as the 2019 MOT highlighted corrosion on the outer integral body structure and suspension arm pins. Any structural rust may require panel replacement or professional rust treatment.
Verify the condition of the tyres – several MOTs reported tyres worn close to the legal limit or with exposed cords, which is a dangerous failure. Ensure all four tyres have sufficient tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm) and no sidewall damage. Also, check the battery for leaks and secure mounting, as the 2019 MOT identified a leaking battery and a risk of it falling from its carrier.
This 1998 Volkswagen Caddy has travelled 150,177 miles, well below the average for a 28‑year‑old van. The most recent MOT (August 2023) passed, but the record shows multiple major and dangerous failures, especially around brakes, suspension, and corrosion. While the diesel engine is likely to be economical, the extensive wear and corrosion noted in earlier tests suggest significant maintenance ahead. Potential buyers should weigh the low mileage against the high risk of mechanical and structural issues.
Without aggregate data for the Volkswagen Caddy, the MOT history for this specific vehicle suggests reliability concerns, particularly around corrosion and brake system wear typical of older diesel vans.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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