2022 Ford Transit Custom 280LIMITD Eblue 2.0L Diesel · AF22 NLT

A single recorded MOT pass on 27 May 2025 with no advisories or defects represents the cleanest possible roadworthiness signal in the official DVSA history, but it must be read in context: this is the first and only test on file for this 2022 Transit Custom, meaning the vehicle only became eligible for MOT examination at the three-year point in mid-2025. There is therefore no longitudinal trend to assess, no prior advisories tracking wear progression, and no historical evidence of how the brakes, suspension, tyres, or structure have aged under the cumulative stress of commercial use. The clean result is encouraging rather than conclusive, and should be treated as a baseline rather than a guarantee of continued compliance at the next annual test. The annualised mileage of roughly 19,118 miles per year is markedly above the typical private-car average and sits firmly in light commercial territory, which is consistent with the Transit Custom's role as a working van. At 76,474 miles over four years, the vehicle has accumulated mileage comparable to a high-mileage taxi or courier van, and one would expect the mechanical wear profile to reflect that. Consumable components such as front brake pads and discs, clutch friction material, dual-mass flywheel damping, front suspension bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar drop links will all be subject to accelerated wear relative to a lower-mileage example. There is no recorded mileage inconsistency or testing gap that suggests clocked readings or extended lay-up, and the steady accumulation pattern is exactly what one would expect from a vehicle in continuous service. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisories means the MOT record offers no specific component to target, but the high commercial mileage demands a physical inspection focused on the areas that typically deteriorate first under hard van use. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when steering is loaded into a turn, as this would indicate worn anti-roll bar links, drop link bushes, or top mount wear; the Transit Custom is also known for premature front coil spring failure, so listen for a metallic rattle or a noticeable drop in ride height on the nearside front. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for excessive travel, sponginess, or pulling to one side under firm application, which could indicate binding caliper slides, worn pads beyond the service life suggested by the mileage, or a warped front disc. Steering should remain precise and self-centring without vibration through the wheel, as worn track rod ends or top mounts can introduce slack that becomes apparent only on undulating roads. Finally, the diesel powertrain and underbody should be examined for oil leaks from the sump, rocker cover, and turbo oil return pipe, all common on high-mileage Transit Custom diesels, while the rear leaf spring bushes and shackles should be inspected for cracking or movement as these vans are frequently loaded heavily. Inspect the underside, jacking points, and crossmembers for corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and battery tray area, which can surface rapidly on commercial vehicles that see winter road salt. Verify the tyre tread depth and evenness of wear across each axle, because uneven shoulder wear often points to suspension geometry drift from worn bushes rather than simple alignment issues. A clean MOT record is a positive starting point, but with nearly 80,000 miles of likely commercial use, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the Transit Custom platform is strongly advised before committing to purchase.