2020 Ford Transit 350 Leader Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · AE70 HWL

The most recent MOT, carried out on 7 October 2025, resulted in a failure because the near‑side front tyre was found to have a cut deep enough to reach the ply, which is a mandatory safety defect. An advisory was also recorded for a cut on the off‑side front tyre, although this did not breach the depth limit. Earlier tests in 2024 and 2023 were passes but were littered with tyre‑wear advisories and a note of thin front brake pads. The progression from simple wear advisories to an outright failure indicates a deteriorating trend in tyre condition and a need for immediate remedial action. At six years old the vehicle has logged 52 760 miles, averaging roughly 8 800 miles per year. This is typical for a light‑commercial van of this age and suggests a moderate duty cycle rather than heavy, high‑stress use. The mileage figure does not point to excessive wear on major drivetrain components, but the relatively low annual distance combined with the presence of deep tyre cuts may imply periods of standing or intermittent use, during which tyre sidewalls can dry‑crack and become more susceptible to damage. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set the highest priority. The near‑side front tyre must be replaced immediately, and the off‑side front tyre should be inspected for any progression of the existing cut; any sign of bulging, cracking or loss of tread depth warrants replacement of that wheel as well. All remaining tyres should be examined for sidewall ageing, especially if the van has spent long periods idle, and tread depth measured on both inner and outer edges to confirm uniform wear. While the vehicle passed previously, the front brake pads were already flagged as thin in 2024, so a visual inspection of pad thickness and a test‑drive brake feel check for shudder, pedal pulsation or reduced stopping power are advisable before committing. In addition to the tyres, check the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs for any clunking or uneven ride height, which can develop when a van is frequently stationary. Verify that the brake discs are free of rust scoring and that the calipers move smoothly without binding. Given the vehicle’s age, inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation and confirm that the electrolyte level is adequate, and look for any signs of corrosion on battery terminals and grounding points. Finally, ensure that the service history shows timely oil, filter and coolant changes, as calendar‑based fluid degradation can occur even with modest mileage; a fresh oil change and a check of the brake fluid for moisture content would put the van on a sound mechanical footing for the next year.