2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · L30 PAU

The 2017 Ford Transit passed its most recent MOT on 23 February 2026 at 95,936 miles, but the result reveals a worsening maintenance trend rather than a clean bill of health. The tester flagged multiple items simultaneously, including both front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges, perishing rear tyres, worn front suspension arm bushes on both sides, a severely deteriorated nearside front ball joint dust cover, thin front brake pads, and a deteriorated flexible exhaust section incorporating the cat or DPF. While none of these items individually caused a failure, the clustering of advisories across steering, braking, suspension, and exhaust systems suggests deferred upkeep rather than routine servicing. The van has covered roughly 95,936 miles over nine years, averaging approximately 10,660 miles per year, which sits within a typical range for a working Transit. Mileage accumulation has been fairly consistent, with 10,049 miles added between the February 2025 and February 2026 tests alone, indicating regular use rather than long periods of standing. The record is reasonably complete with annual tests, though the gap between the March 2024 and February 2025 entries is slightly longer than twelve months, which may reflect a missed or late test. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. The February 2026 advisory for worn rear bushes on both front suspension arms, combined with a split nearside ball joint gaiter, points to neglected preventive maintenance. Deteriorated gaiters allow grit ingress, accelerating joint wear and risking sudden failure. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at the most recent test, so disc thickness and pad remaining life need immediate verification. The deteriorated flexible exhaust section, particularly where it connects to the catalytic converter or DPF, warrants close examination for cracking, gas leaks, and potential emissions compliance issues that could cause a future failure. Tyre condition is another recurring concern. Rear tyre perishing appeared in both the February 2023 and February 2026 records, and the front tyres are now also wearing unevenly on their edges, which may indicate alignment issues or continued neglect of tyre pressures and rotation. A thorough check of all four tyres for age-related cracking, sidewall damage, and tread depth is essential. Overall, this Transit presents as a mechanically used commercial vehicle with several items approaching or at the point of requiring replacement, and any purchase should be priced to reflect imminent expenditure on suspension components, brakes, tyres, and exhaust repairs.