2016 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0L Diesel · SY16 KWC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 14 January 2026, was recorded as a pass but was accompanied by a failure for both front headlamps being aimed too low, together with a minor comment on a near‑side front upper windscreen chip. Earlier tests show a generally stable pattern – a pass in October 2024 with only an advisory on a near‑side rear anti‑roll‑bar bush, a clean pass in November 2023, and a pass in January 2023 with only a tyre‑wear advisory and a rear plate‑lamp fault. The trend is therefore mixed: the vehicle has been kept roadworthy, but the recurring lighting and suspension‑related advisories indicate that some components are beginning to require attention. At 103,953 miles the Caddy averages just over 10 000 miles per year, which sits squarely within normal UK usage for a ten‑year‑old light commercial vehicle. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of storage, nor is there evidence of unusually high annual mileage that would accelerate wear on major drivetrain or chassis items. Consequently, consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, and suspension bushings are likely to be in the mid‑life stage and should be inspected for wear consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the headlamp alignment – low aim can reduce night‑time illumination and may be symptomatic of front‑end geometry changes caused by worn steering or suspension components. Verify that the headlamp units are correctly centred and that the bulbs are the correct type and in good condition; a simple adjustment at a workshop can resolve the MOT failure. The advisory on the near‑side rear anti‑roll‑bar pin or bush suggests some play in the rear suspension; listen for clunking or shuddering over bumps and check the bush for looseness or excessive movement. Since a tyre was noted as being close to the legal limit on the near‑side front in early 2023, inspect all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushings. Replace any tyre that is approaching 1.6 mm tread or shows age‑related cracking, regardless of remaining tread. In addition to the specific items above, a thorough pre‑purchase check should include a visual inspection of the rear registration‑plate lamp and a functional test of all external lighting. Examine the brake discs and pads for corrosion, glazing or uneven wear, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. Given the vehicle’s age, assess the 12 V battery for cranking performance and check for any signs of electrolyte leakage or swollen case. Finally, confirm that the service history records regular oil, filter and coolant changes at the manufacturer‑recommended intervals; if the records are missing, consider a full fluid change and a comprehensive inspection of the steering rack, driveshaft universal joints and exhaust system to pre‑empt any age‑related failures.