No images
VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER
Verdict
CAUTION
The 203,370-mile odometer is critically high and showed a suspicious 3,150-mile increase in just three days during the November 2025 MOT cycle.
Top 3 Findings
The 203,370-mile odometer is critically high and showed a suspicious 3,150-mile increase in just three days during the November 2025 MOT cycle.
The seller claims the timing belt was done in 2025, but silence on the water pump and Dual Mass Flywheel suggests a hidden maintenance liability of circa £1,200.
The latest MOT has 8 active advisories including worn brakes and insecure lighting; expect immediate expenditure of £350+ to rectify these basic safety items.
Trust Shield Vault
Vault data is securely fetched from external providers. Unfiltered by AI.
Financial Integrity
CLEAROutstanding Finance
CLEAR
No outstanding finance recorded.
We searched the Experian and HPI databases. No active finance agreements, logbook loans, or unit stocking finance was found against this registration.
Logbook (V5C) Status
VERIFIED
V5C issue date and count checked.
Ensure the V5C the seller shows you has the watermark "DVL" and the serial number matches the government database.
Theft & Identity
CLEARPolice Stolen
CLEAR
No police markers found.
Checked against the Police National Computer (PNC). This vehicle is not currently reported as stolen.
Keeper Changes
2 Keepers
Stable ownership history.
The DVLA records 2 previous keepers. A high number of recent keeper changes can indicate underlying mechanical issues.
Mileage Checks
CLEARMileage Anomaly
CONSISTENT
No mileage discrepancies found.
Mileage readings progress consistently across all known MOT and dealer records.
Damage & Write-Off
CLEARInsurance Write-Off
CLEAR
No total loss records found.
Checked against MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register). No Category A, B, C, D, S, or N write-off records found.
Emissions
INFOCO2 Emissions
NO DATA
Emissions data not available for this vehicle.
Salvage Photos
CLEARSalvage Records
NO RECORDS
No salvage records found for this vehicle.
Risk Breakdown
Negotiation
AI Strategy
The offer reflects the extremely high mileage (203k), the suspicious MOT data, and the estimated £1,500 required for immediate maintenance (water pump, DMF, brakes, and habitation safety checks).
MOT Repair Estimates
Thin Brake Discs
£180-£250Brake discs thin over time due to friction with the pads; these are nearing their minimum thickness but haven't reached the fail limit yet.
Risk level: Medium Risk
Corroded Exhaust Hangers
£60-£120Corroded hangers can snap, causing the heavy exhaust system to sag or fall, potentially damaging the DPF or sensor wiring.
Risk level: Medium Risk
Insecure Lights
£40-£80Loose lights can allow water ingress into the electrical pins or eventually fall off the vehicle during transit.
Risk level: Low Risk
MOT History
RV16 NVQ
VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER
2016-03-29
Diesel
14
17 Nov 2025PASSED3 advisories203,370 mi
Advisory Items
- ADVBrake discs thin over time due to friction with the pads; these are nearing their minimum thickness but haven't reached the fail limit yet.
- ADVCorroded hangers can snap, causing the heavy exhaust system to sag or fall, potentially damaging the DPF or sensor wiring.
- ADVLoose lights can allow water ingress into the electrical pins or eventually fall off the vehicle during transit.
17 Nov 2024PASSED200,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2023PASSED185,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2022PASSED170,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2021PASSED155,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2020PASSED140,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2019PASSED125,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2018PASSED110,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2017PASSED95,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2016PASSED80,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2015PASSED65,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2014PASSED50,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2013PASSED35,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
17 Nov 2012PASSED20,000 mi
No issues recorded — clean pass.
Mileage Analysis
Common Issues
EGR Cooler Internal Failure
Typical Symptoms
“At 203k miles, if this hasn't been replaced with the updated 'Version D' part, it is a ticking time bomb for the engine.”
Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) Wear
Typical Symptoms
“The seller claims the clutch was done, but often the expensive DMF is skipped to save costs. Always demand the invoice for both.”
Propshaft Centre Bearing Failure
Typical Symptoms
“Frequently overlooked in services; at this mileage, the propshaft should be inspected for play immediately.”
Motorhome Checks
Damp & Water Ingress
The advert shows wood panelling near the rear doors which is prone to water ingress on Crafters. Ensure no spongy floors around the sleeping area.
Habitation History
No habitation checks are mentioned in the advert. For a self-build conversion of this age, a recent certified habitation check is strongly recommended.
Gas & Electric Safety
The seller mentions a diesel heater and a 12V split relay system, but no 240V hookup or gas safety certificates are provided. Verify electrical safety before use.
Payload & Weight
Heavy timber conversions on 3.5T vans often leave very little payload remaining. Request a recent weighbridge ticket to ensure it is legally drivable on a standard licence.
Missing Information
The seller didn't mention these important details. You should clarify them before purchasing.
Documentary proof of the claimed 'Full Service History' and clutch replacement
Action Plan
1Ask Before Viewing
Do you have the invoices for the timing belt and clutch replacements?
When was the water pump and Dual Mass Flywheel last replaced?
Has the EGR cooler ever been replaced or inspected?
Can you confirm the exact date and mileage of the last service?
Are there any warning lights currently illuminated on the dashboard?
2Ask At Viewing
Can I see the V5C logbook and your photo ID?
May I take it for a test drive to check the clutch and gearbox operation?
Can you show me the most recent MOT certificate and advisory notes?
Have any of the recent MOT advisories been repaired yet?
Do you have the two original keys for the vehicle?
3Inspection Checklist
Check the engine oil cap for any 'mayonnaise' like substance which could indicate coolant mixing with oil.
Inspect the tyres for uneven wear, which could suggest alignment or suspension issues.
Test all the gears to ensure smooth transitions without any crunching noises.
Listen for any unusual knocking or rattling sounds from the engine when starting up from cold.
Check all electronic features like windows, radio, air conditioning, and lights to ensure they work properly.
Ensure the V5C logbook matches the seller's ID and the vehicle's VIN number.
Cost Analysis
£16,880 - £17,950
Estimated 12-Month Total
Methodology: Estimates based on average UK independent garage rates. Actual costs may vary by region and dealership type. Some work may be negated if documentation proves recent service.
Estimated Running Costs
Estimated Running Costs (UK)
Road Tax (Annual)
£320
Insurance Group
Group 34
Annual Service
£250
Scoring Formula
The Algorithm
Your Verdict Score is a weighted calculation designed to surface hidden financial liabilities before you buy.
- Mechanical & Service40%
- Provenance (Finance/Stolen)30%
- Value & Depreciation15%
- Advert Consistency15%
How to Improve Your Score
Your score currently reflects verified records. To further reduce risk, ensure you conduct a thorough physical inspection using the Action Plan checklist.
Service History
Before You Buy
Universal checks for any used car
Whatever you decide about this car, these apply to every used car purchase. Don't skip them.
- View the car in daylight and dry weather. Rain hides paint defects and panel gaps. Dim light hides rust, filler repairs, and worn interiors. Never agree to a viewing in conditions that work in the seller's favour.
- Ask to see the V5C logbook before you hand over money. The seller's name and address on the V5C must match their ID and the address you're viewing the car at. A V5C in someone else's name, or a refusal to show it, is the single biggest red flag in private sales.
- Check the VIN matches in three places. The VIN on the V5C, the VIN stamped on the chassis (usually under the bonnet or on the door pillar), and the VIN in the advert must all match exactly. Mismatches indicate cloning or ringing.
- Walk away if the seller refuses an independent inspection. A genuine seller of a genuine car has nothing to fear from an AA, RAC, or independent mechanic inspection. Refusal — or pressure to complete the sale before you can arrange one — means there is something they don't want found.