2017 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · SY17 LLN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend regarding the braking system and exhaust assembly. While it passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 77,158 miles, this followed a failure just one mile prior due to multiple mechanical faults. The persistence of defective front exhaust mounts and recurring brake pipe corrosion across several years suggests a reactive maintenance approach where repairs are only addressed to pass inspections rather than through preventative care. At 77,158 miles, the nine-year-old Crafter shows a consistent usage pattern of approximately 8,500 miles per year, which is typical for a commercial vehicle of this age. The gap between the February 2023 test at 67,941 miles and the March 2024 test at 74,756 miles indicates steady operation. However, the rapid succession of tests in September 2025, where the vehicle failed and then passed within twenty-four hours, highlights a concentrated effort to rectify mounting issues in a short window. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking lines and hardware. The record repeatedly flags the nearside and offside front brake pipes for excessive corrosion, with the 2024 failure specifically noting grease or material used to hide this rust. The parking brake system also showed significant neglect in 2024, with adrift shoes and missing hold down plates. The buyer should verify that the brake pipes have been replaced rather than merely cleaned, as deep corrosion in lines remains a structural risk. The front brake discs also require attention, as they were noted as pitted and scored in the latest 2025 test. The fluctuating front service brake indicates warped or thin rotors, likely necessitating replacement to ensure safety. Additionally, the front exhaust mounting has been a known defect since at least 2023; an inspector should ensure the exhaust system is securely secured and not prone to immediate failure or damage to the surrounding components.