2008 Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L Diesel · WM57 ACV

A pattern of front suspension wear dominates the recorded MOT history of this 2008 Volkswagen Caddy, with both lower arm rear bushes and anti-roll bar ball joints flagged across four of the seven tests on file. The most recent examination on 25 April 2024 recorded a pass alongside an advisory for a nearside front suspension arm pin or bush, and the same item was noted on the earlier 2022 and 2020 tests, suggesting progressive wear rather than a one-off finding. Anti-roll bar ball joint play has appeared as an advisory or minor defect at every test since 2018, and the offside front item was specifically called out for slight play in both 2022 and 2023. Combined with the 2018 advisory for offside front service brake binding, the picture is one of recurring chassis and braking component degradation typical of a high-mileage commercial-derived vehicle. The recorded mileage of 162,680 miles across approximately eighteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 9,000 miles, broadly in line with the national norm. There is a notable two-year gap between the October 2018 test and the January 2020 test, during which roughly 30,000 miles appear to have been covered based on the jump in odometer readings, indicating intensive use in that period. The double pass at the start of 2020, just over a week apart, is unusual and suggests a first attempt that identified issues outside the scope of failure, followed by a successful retest once remedial work was completed. By the 2024 test the odometer was reading 162,680, consistent with continued regular use of around 6,000 to 7,000 miles per year over the last four years. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the front suspension and anti-roll bar linkage, as these are the items most frequently flagged. The lower arm rear bush advisories warrant physical checking; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly speed bumps and potholes, and feel for vagueness or looseness in the steering that does not self-centre cleanly. The recurring anti-roll bar ball joint play should prompt a check for body roll exaggeration during cornering, any rattle from the front end over rough tarmac, and visible wear at the drop links where they meet the bar. It would also be prudent to inspect the condition of the lower control arms and their mounting bolts for any splitting or corrosion, as worn bushes on a vehicle of this age often necessitate replacement of the complete arm. Braking components warrant close attention given the 2022 failure for an excessively binding offside front service brake and the 2018 advisory for binding on the same corner. On a test drive, monitor for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, any hot smell from a front wheel after sustained use, or uneven pad wear visible through the wheel. The 2022 major failure for a leaking offside rear shock absorber is a separate concern; check for any staining or wetness on the rear dampers and listen for knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces. Finally, the dangerous defect recorded in January 2020 for the rear floor condition should prompt a thorough examination of the load area and underside for corrosion, structural repairs, or patching, as floor integrity is critical in a vehicle of this age and intended use, and any evidence of past welding or repair should be scrutinised for quality.