2012 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · FN62 AGU

The 2012 Fiat Ducato’s most recent MOT test on 2025-05-30 confirmed roadworthiness at 26,153 miles, though it follows an immediate failure the day prior at 26,148 miles—a pattern that repeats annually, with consecutive pass/fail tests in May 2024 and May 2025. No defects were recorded during any of these tests, suggesting the vehicle either passed all mandatory checks at the last possible moment or that minor issues were overlooked. The lack of advisories or repeated failures for the same component implies no obvious mechanical degradation, but the repeated near-misses at identical mileages warrant scrutiny of what might have been just outside the pass threshold. The most likely candidates would be brake efficiency, tyre tread depth, or minor suspension wear, though these would not have triggered a fail without severe deterioration. The recorded mileage of 26,153 miles over 14 years—approximately 1,868 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, indicating either very light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 test at 23,531 miles and the 2024 test at 25,191 miles suggests around 1,660 miles were accumulated over roughly 11 months, a pace that could imply occasional but not frequent driving. The consistency of the annual May tests, despite minimal mileage progression, raises questions about whether the vehicle was stored or driven sporadically. Low mileage can mask underlying issues, particularly with fluids, seals, and suspension components that degrade over time regardless of distance travelled. Given the absence of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components prone to slow deterioration in low-mileage, intermittently used vehicles. The suspension—particularly the coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—should be examined for uneven wear, corrosion, or binding, as these can develop without high mileage. Brake discs and calipers must be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle was driven sporadically, as moisture and lack of use can accelerate corrosion. Tyres, despite passing MOTs, should be inspected for uneven tread wear or embedded debris, which could indicate alignment issues or past neglect. Finally, the underbody and wheel arches should be scrutinised for corrosion, as prolonged standing can accelerate rust in critical structural areas. The lack of advisories in prior tests does not preclude these issues, so thorough visual and functional checks are essential.