2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · AF68 ACJ

A 2018 Ford Transit Custom with five recorded MOT tests between 2022 and 2025 has a notably sparse defect history, with every entry showing either a pass or a failure that carries no recorded advisories or reasons for refusal. The 2023 result merits attention, however, as the vehicle was tested on consecutive days in July 2023 and failed on the first attempt before passing the following day. While no specific defects were recorded against that failure, the pattern of a same-day retest suggests an item that was identified and rectified between the two visits, which can range from a straightforward bulb or wiper blade replacement to a more involved repair. Beyond that isolated 2023 event, the record from October 2024 and most recently 24 September 2025 is clean, indicating a stable roadworthy profile at the point of the latest test. The recorded mileage of 109,899 against an approximately eight-year vehicle age equates to around 13,737 miles per year on average, which is high for a van of this type and significantly above the typical commercial vehicle average. There is a notable gap in the MOT record between the first test in November 2022 and the next appearance in July 2023, and the test history begins at the four-and-a-half-year point of the vehicle's life, meaning the early-life testing record is not available through DVSA channels. High annual mileage of this nature places elevated demand on the consumables and wear items typical of a front-wheel-drive Transit Custom: brake pads and discs, clutch components if manual, dual-mass flywheel, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and the lower wishbones are all likely to have absorbed considerable use. Tyre wear is also likely to be pronounced, and the rolling components such as wheel bearings and CV joint gaiters warrant closer inspection given the sustained workload the vehicle appears to have endured. Given that no specific advisories have been recorded, a prospective buyer cannot rely on the MOT history to pre-identify wear items and must therefore inspect these areas in person. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, both known wear points on this model. The steering should be checked for any vagueness, knocking on full lock, or uneven pulling to one side, as the electric power steering rack and column can develop play with high mileage. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no excessive travel or judder under heavy braking, the latter suggesting warped front discs which are common on heavily used Transits. The drivetrain deserves particular attention given the annual mileage. On a cold start, listen for any rattling from the dual-mass flywheel region or slipping during high-load take-offs, which can indicate flywheel wear. The clutch should engage smoothly without slipping in higher gears or shuddering under load. Underneath the vehicle, inspect the front subframe mounting areas for any surface corrosion, the brake pipes and flexi hoses for signs of corrosion or weeping, and the exhaust system for any blowing joints or hanger deterioration, all of which are common MOT failure and advisory points on high-mileage commercial vehicles. Finally, confirm the service history independently, as the clean MOT record does not establish that routine maintenance such as cambelt, timing chain, or transmission fluid changes have been carried out at the correct intervals for this level of use.