2009 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · AV09 WHS

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 September 2025 returned a PASS, although it was accompanied by five advisories all concentrated on the front suspension and braking system. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears to be gradually worsening rather than improving. The vehicle passed cleanly in August 2024 with no recorded defects, but a retest on 13 May 2024 failed on a non-functioning windscreen washer and poor parking brake efficiency, with advisories noting an oil leak, thinning offside rear brake pads, and a worn rear brake disc. A further failure on 26 April 2023 was more serious, citing a dangerous service brake efficiency below 50 percent of the required value, alongside further parking brake concerns, a power steering seepage, and defective lighting. The pattern between 2023 and 2025 indicates that braking performance, parking brake function, and front suspension wear are progressively deteriorating and warrant close scrutiny. At 137,173 miles across approximately seventeen years, this Transit has averaged around 8,069 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working van of this age and consistent with the MOT test dates showing a regular annual pattern without significant gaps or sudden mileage spikes. This kind of steady, moderate usage generally means wear items have been consumed progressively rather than all at once, but at this mileage cumulative wear on engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, and braking components is considerable. Diesel Transits of this vintage and mileage commonly exhibit age-related issues beyond what the MOT captures, including injector wear, dual-mass flywheel deterioration, and timing belt service intervals that should already have been completed multiple times. The 2025 advisories regarding the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, the suspension arm pin or bush, and the nearside front wheel bearing all suggest the front suspension is approaching a point where replacement will become necessary. On a test drive, you should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when turning at low speed, which would indicate worn bushes or ball joints. Also feel for any vagueness or wander through the steering, and check whether the front tyres show uneven inner or outer wear, as worn suspension components frequently cause accelerated or irregular tyre consumption. The front brake disc wear advisory should prompt a physical inspection of disc thickness and lipping, with attention to any brake shudder or pulsation under firm pedal pressure. The recurring advisories on brake discs, both front and rear, indicate that scoring and pitting have been developing over several test cycles, and given the dangerous service brake failure in 2023, the braking system deserves particular attention. You should request evidence of recent brake servicing, including pad and disc replacement, and confirm the parking brake mechanism is fully functional and adjusted correctly. The persistent power steering pipe seepage from 2023 is also worth checking visually for fresh fluid around the pipes and rack, and listening for any whining or groaning from the steering pump during cold starts. Beyond the MOT history, at seventeen years old you should verify the age of the tyres, looking for sidewall cracking or perishing even if tread depth is adequate, confirm recent replacement of cambelt and water pump if applicable, check that the 12V battery holds charge reliably given its age, and review service history for evidence of timely brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil changes, as calendar-aged fluids can degrade significantly in a vehicle of this vintage regardless of mileage.