2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · L29 PKE

The 2018 Ford Transit Custom presents a stable and reassuring maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT conducted on 19 August 2025 at 68,125 miles returning a clean pass with zero defects. That result was not an anomaly. The vehicle has passed every single recorded MOT since at least November 2021 without a single advisory or failure item, indicating consistent mechanical upkeep across multiple annual tests spanning nearly five years. The mileage accumulation pattern is broadly typical for an eight-year-old commercial vehicle. Between the November 2021 test at 39,313 miles and the August 2025 test at 68,125 miles, the vehicle covered approximately 28,812 miles over roughly three years and nine months, equating to an average of around 7,400 miles per annum. The annual increments between consecutive tests are steady, ranging from approximately 3,900 to 13,700 miles per year, with no dramatic spikes or suspiciously long dormant periods. This suggests regular, active use rather than prolonged standing, which is generally favourable for a diesel commercial vehicle as it helps prevent issues associated with short-run condensation and DPF regeneration problems. Despite the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should still carry out a thorough in-person inspection focused on areas that MOT tests do not fully stress. The 2018 Transit Custom is a workhorse, and at 68,125 miles, suspension components such as front lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and rear leaf spring shackles deserve close physical examination for play or deterioration. Brake discs, pads, and calipers should be inspected for uneven wear or binding, particularly if the vehicle has been used for stop-start urban delivery work. The diesel particulate filter and EGR system warrant attention given their sensitivity to short-journey use, even when emissions readings pass at test. Structurally, check the rear load floor, wheel arches, and cab mounting points for corrosion, as panel van variants can suffer from moisture ingress and underseal breakdown that may not be visible during a standard MOT underside check. Tyre condition and tread depth should be verified, along with the operation of all lighting, wipers, and door mechanisms. The absence of any MOT advisories is a strong positive signal, but it does not substitute for a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic, particularly one familiar with the Ford Transit platform, before committing to purchase.