2015 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · AX15 UNW

The most recent MOT in March 2024 at 115,094 miles passed without any defects, marking a clean result after a period of recurring issues. Prior to that, the vehicle’s history shows a clear improvement in maintenance discipline, as the two failures in late 2021 and late 2022—both within a six-month span—were resolved by the following tests. The 2022 failure was primarily driven by a split CV boot on the offside front drive shaft, a fault that, if ignored, could lead to premature joint wear and potential failure. Tyre-related advisories and defects, including edge wear and cuts reaching the ply, were also persistent but appear to have been addressed before the March 2024 test. The absence of any defects in the latest MOT suggests that the vehicle’s core mechanical systems—brakes, suspension, and structural integrity—were in a stable condition at that time. However, the earlier failures indicate that previous owners either delayed or overlooked essential servicing, particularly around wheel alignment and tyre condition. The Transit’s mileage accumulation of roughly 10,463 miles per year aligns with typical usage for its age, though the clustering of failures between November 2021 and November 2022 suggests a phase of either inconsistent maintenance or deferred repairs. The gap between the 2021 failure (85,557 miles) and the 2022 retest (97,866 miles) covers nearly 12,000 miles in just over a year, a period during which the CV boot issue and tyre damage persisted. This implies that while the vehicle wasn’t overworked, its upkeep was not prioritised during that stretch. The most recent MOT, however, reflects a more disciplined approach, with no defects recorded and a mileage increase of around 17,228 miles in just under 16 months—a rate that, while steady, should prompt a buyer to verify whether the vehicle has remained in consistent use or if it has sat idle since March 2024. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect in person are the front drive shafts, particularly the CV boots, given their history of failure. The offside front outer drive shaft’s split boot in 2022 is a red flag for potential joint contamination and wear, which could now manifest as stiffness, vibration, or a grinding noise under acceleration. Tyres should be scrutinised for uneven wear patterns, as the repeated advisories for edge wear and cuts suggest past alignment or balancing issues. The front brakes, which were flagged for thin pads in 2021, should be checked for residual wear or corrosion, especially if the vehicle has been stationary since its last MOT. Suspension components—such as bushes, coil springs, and ball joints—should also be assessed for signs of fatigue, as the distorted road wheel bead in 2022 could indicate misalignment or worn suspension mounts. Finally, the rear tyres, which showed perishing and cord damage in 2021, warrant close examination for any lingering cracks or separation, particularly if the vehicle has been exposed to prolonged storage or harsh conditions.