2020 Ford Transit Custom 300LMTD Eblue A 2.0L Diesel · R777 NGN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 26 January 2026, was a Pass with a single minor defect – a nearside registration‑plate lamp that failed to illuminate when multiple lamps were required. This follows a series of tests that moved from a failure for a windscreen obstruction in January 2023 to clean passes in 2023 and 2024, and advisory tyre‑nail notices in the two subsequent years. The pattern shows a clear improvement in compliance, with only low‑severity items now being recorded, suggesting that the vehicle’s maintenance regime has become more consistent since the 2023 failure. At six years old the Transit has logged 56,149 miles, giving an average annual mileage of roughly 9,350 miles. This sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a light commercial van of this age and does not indicate any periods of extreme short‑term mileage accumulation. The relatively moderate yearly distance implies that major wear items such as the engine, transmission and chassis components are unlikely to be excessively fatigued, though the vehicle’s history of standing periods cannot be ruled out and should be verified by checking service stamps and any recorded periods of inactivity. The advisory notes about a nearside front and rear tyre nail warrant a thorough visual inspection of both tyres for puncture damage, sidewall cuts or embedded foreign objects. Even if the nails have been removed, the surrounding tread may have been weakened, potentially leading to a sudden loss of pressure or a blow‑out under load. While on a test drive, listen for any thumping or vibration that could indicate a compromised tyre, and feel for uneven handling that might point to mis‑alignment caused by the earlier nail incidents. The minor lamp fault should be rectified promptly; a non‑functioning plate lamp can cause a failure at the next test and may also be a safety issue when the vehicle is used at night. Finally, the 2023 windscreen obstruction failure suggests that there may have been an object or excessive dashboard clutter impairing the driver’s view – ensure the windscreen is clean, free of cracks or chips, and that the dashboard is clear of any accessories that could obstruct the swept area of the glass. Given the van’s age, a buyer should also focus on time‑related wear items. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage, as batteries left idle for long periods can deteriorate even with low mileage. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding – a common issue in vehicles that spend extended time stationary. Check the suspension bushes, coil springs and anti‑roll bar links for signs of cracking, oil leakage or excessive play, which can manifest as clunking noises over bumps. Finally, confirm that all engine fluids – coolant, brake fluid, gearbox oil and engine oil – have been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, as fluid degradation can occur regardless of mileage and affect cooling, braking performance and gearbox reliability.