2020 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Startline TDI 2.0L Diesel · SA70 CAU

The 2020 Volkswagen Craftser CR35 Startline TDI presents a mixed mechanical picture marked by a single failed assessment in mid-2025 followed by two subsequent passes in 2024 and 2023. The latest test result on 2025-07-08 was a failure, carrying both minor and major deficiencies along with a dangerous advisory regarding the non-opposing side marker being in operation. This failure included a missing registration plate lamp, a non-functional headlamp on dipped beams, and critical tyre wear on the rear axle sides that required immediate attention before the test could be completed. While the vehicle subsequently cleared its MOT in September 2024 with warnings about rear tyre wear on both the outer and inner sides, and achieved a clean pass in March 2023 with only cosmetic windscreen damage noted, the progression from a failed assessment to two successful tests within eighteen months suggests that underlying issues were identified and addressed, though the severity of the initial failure warrants particular scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 115,673 miles across approximately six years yields an average annual consumption of roughly 19,279 miles, which stands out as unusually high for a vehicle of this age. Such rapid mileage accumulation implies either frequent driving cycles or extended periods during which the odometer continued to increment despite minimal actual engine operation, potentially indicating the vehicle was stored intermittently yet accumulated distance through rolling stock or other means. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 MOT tests spans nearly two years, while the interval between the 2024 and 2025 tests is less than twelve months, suggesting inconsistent service intervals and possibly variable ownership situations. When combined with the failure in late 2025 involving worn rear tyres that remained problematic even after passing in 2024, the high mileage figure serves as a cautionary indicator that components subject to wear may have been operating beyond their intended service life, particularly given the stress placed on the tyres and related suspension geometry. Buyers should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front and rear suspension linkages, focusing on bushings, control arm mounts, and coil spring conditions, as the worn rear tyres documented in the 2025 failure point toward potential uneven wear patterns that could indicate misalignment or excessive deflection under load. The headlamp malfunction reported in the same test suggests a possible bulb replacement has occurred since the last failure, but it remains prudent to verify full functionality of both dipped-beam and high-beam circuits, including checking for any persistent electrical faults in the lighting harness. Additionally, the n/s side marker being in operation constitutes a serious safety concern and requires immediate rectification—this typically involves adjusting the parking brake or replacing the marker assembly itself, and its presence should be confirmed before taking the vehicle onto public roads. Given the tyres showed progressive wear across successive assessments, inspectors should also examine the wheel bearings, brake disc condition, and coolant system for signs of accelerated degradation consistent with the high mileage profile. The windscreen damage noted in the 2023 MOT, while not functionally impairing visibility according to the official record, represents a cosmetic item that could affect long-term clarity and potentially create condensation issues if the sealant degraded further. On a test drive, pay close attention to how the vehicle handles bumps and corners, listening for any knocking sounds that might indicate worn suspension bushings or loose control arm joints, and feel for any vibration transmitted through the chassis that could signal worn subframe bolts or deteriorating leaf spring ends. The headlamp failure should be verified by attempting to switch between dimming and high beams to ensure both functions operate independently. Finally, given the high mileage and the nature of the 2025 failure, having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified technician would help confirm whether the previously flagged issues have been fully resolved and whether any remaining latent problems—such as brake line integrity or subframe corrosion—invisible to standard MOT checks have been addressed.