2014 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6L Diesel · WM64 AAU

The defining mechanical story of this Caddy is one of progressive suspension and underbody wear culminating in its most recent MOT failure on 27 August 2026. The anti-roll bar components have been an ongoing concern for at least three test cycles, with D-bush wear noted in July 2024, both rear pin and bush advisories flagged in July 2025, and by the 2026 test the nearside rear anti-roll bar pin or bush had deteriorated to the point of being classified as a Major defect, effectively failing the vehicle. Alongside this, the 2026 test recorded a Dangerous failure for an offside front tyre with tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum, plus Major and advisory issues with tyre fitment, the top-mounted stop lamp, and a non-functioning fog lamp. The pattern shows components being flagged as advisories at one test and crossing into Major or Dangerous territory by the next, which suggests that advisory items have not been addressed proactively and the suspension system in particular is entering a phase where replacement is unavoidable rather than optional. Covering 98,711 miles across twelve years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 8,226 miles, which sits squarely within typical usage for a commercial-derived van of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the testing history and the mileage progression is consistent, indicating a vehicle that has been in regular service rather than one that has spent long periods laid up. Mechanically, this steady usage profile means the engine, drivetrain and ancillary systems have been kept under load on a reasonably frequent basis, which is generally favourable, but it also means the consumable and chassis components such as brake discs, pads and suspension linkages have accrued wear at a normal rate without the benefit of low-mileage preservation. The 2023 test flagged front and rear brake disc pitting along with thinning front pads and fluctuating near-side rear brake performance, which combined with the later suspension deterioration, paints a picture of a vehicle whose rolling hardware is simply reaching the end of its first major service interval at this mileage. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is addressing the failure items and having the nearside rear anti-roll bar D bush or pin replaced, ideally as part of a full set of anti-roll bar bushes and drop links, since the offside rear has carried matching advisories over consecutive tests and is likely to follow suit. The front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover that failed in 2025 also warrants inspection, as a perished boot allows contamination that rapidly destroys the joint itself. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front and rear suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or looseness through the steering, which would indicate worn drop link ball joints rather than bushes. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive; any excessive travel, judder under heavy braking, or a pulling sensation to one side would confirm the 2023 advisories on brake discs and fluctuating rear brake effort have progressed into a more serious condition requiring disc and possibly caliper attention. Finally, the tyres on this vehicle demand close scrutiny. The Dangerous tread depth failure on the offside front and the cuts to both rear tyres recorded in 2025 suggest tyres have either been neglected or replaced reactively rather than in matched sets, and the advisory regarding a nearside rear tyre fitted with its sidewall facing outwards indicates a recent wheel swap that may not have been carried out correctly. All four tyres should be inspected for even wear across the tread, correct rotation direction, and matching size and brand, as uneven or stepped wear often points to underlying suspension or geometry issues consistent with the anti-roll bar faults already identified. Beyond the recorded items, a thorough inspection should include a check for corrosion on the brake lines, underbody seams and subframe mounting points given the mileage, and a visual examination for any oil leaks from the engine and transmission, all of which would be reasonable to expect on a twelve-year-old commercial vehicle approaching its second decade of service.