2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · BL18 ABO

The 2018 Ford Transit Custom presents a clean MOT history in its most recent tests, with the September 2024 inspection at 149,391 miles showing no defects—a positive indicator of stable roadworthiness. The trend over the past two years remains consistent, with no advisories or failures recorded since the July 2023 retest, suggesting the vehicle has either been well-maintained or luckily avoided major component wear. The repeated passes in 2024 and 2023, despite the earlier failures in 2022, imply that any prior issues were resolved promptly. However, the absence of advisories does not preclude latent wear in high-stress areas like suspension bushes, brake components, or exhaust systems, which are not always caught in a basic MOT. The mileage accumulation is notably aggressive for an eight-year-old commercial vehicle, averaging around 18,674 miles per year—a figure more typical of a high-usage fleet van than a private or light-duty Transit. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (16,491 miles in just over a year) and the subsequent 10,932 miles between July 2023 and September 2024 suggests either seasonal fluctuations in usage or a deliberate effort to minimise standing time. The lack of recorded defects in recent years, despite this heavy mileage, may indicate either rigorous maintenance or a vehicle that has thus far avoided critical wear. However, the earlier failures in June 2022—both on the same mileage—raise questions about whether the vehicle was previously neglected or if the tester encountered a procedural error, though the latter is unlikely given the DVSA’s standardised process. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on components prone to wear under high mileage: the suspension system, including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, which may show signs of fatigue or corrosion despite passing MOTs. The brake system—particularly the rear calipers, which are prone to binding in Transit models—should be inspected for uneven pad wear, seized pistons, or fluid leaks, even if no advisories were logged. Exhaust emissions and the DPF (if fitted) warrant scrutiny, as heavy usage can accelerate soot build-up or catalytic converter degradation. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, should be checked for hidden corrosion, as the MOT does not always detect early-stage rust penetration. Given the mileage, tyre condition and tread depth—even if compliant at test—should be reassessed, as uneven wear could signal alignment or suspension issues. The absence of recorded faults does not eliminate the need for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.