2016 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · SJ16 GLS

The Volkswagen Crafter in question presents an unusual and concerning MOT history for its age and mileage. The most recent test, conducted on 17 June 2025 at 146,404 miles, passed without defects, yet this followed an immediate failure just eight days earlier at 146,246 miles—both tests recording no faults. Such a rapid succession of passes and fails without documented issues is highly irregular and suggests either a clerical error or deliberate manipulation of the MOT process. Prior to this, the 2024 records show a similar pattern: a pass on 19 June at 137,632 miles, a failure on 18 June at an implausibly high 294,745 miles (likely a data entry error), and another pass on 12 June at 137,632 miles. The absence of any recorded defects across these tests implies either exceptional luck or a deliberate suppression of maintenance issues. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage—146,404 miles over roughly ten years—this clean record is statistically improbable for a commercial vehicle of this type. The mileage pattern raises further red flags. The recorded mileage jumps from 137,632 miles in June 2024 to 146,246 miles in June 2025, suggesting an average annual mileage of around 8,600 miles—far below the initial estimate of 14,640 miles per year. However, the 294,745-mile entry in June 2024 is clearly erroneous, as it exceeds the vehicle’s plausible usage by a significant margin. This inconsistency, combined with the lack of documented defects, implies either a deliberate falsification of records or a vehicle that has been subjected to minimal official scrutiny. The most recent MOT, dated just over a year ago, means the vehicle is now operating without a current roadworthiness certificate, which is illegal in the UK. Given the absence of recorded defects, a buyer should approach this vehicle with extreme caution. While the MOT history offers no red flags on paper, the mileage discrepancies and the rapid pass-fail cycle demand a thorough independent inspection. Key areas to scrutinise include the suspension components—specifically the bushings, coil springs, and dampers—for signs of wear or corrosion, given the vehicle’s age and commercial use. The braking system, including calipers, brake discs, and hydraulic lines, should be checked for binding, uneven wear, or fluid leaks, as these are common failure points in high-mileage vehicles. Structural integrity is also critical; inspect the chassis, floor pans, and wheel arches for corrosion or rust penetration, particularly in regions prone to salt exposure. Finally, verify the mileage odometer against service records or third-party data, as the inconsistencies in the MOT history strongly suggest potential tampering. Without documented evidence of regular maintenance, this vehicle cannot be considered a reliable purchase based on the provided records.