2021 Ford Transit Custom 320SPRT Eblue A 2.0L Diesel · BT71 LFU

The vehicle presents a generally sound mechanical baseline, though the December 2025 pass at 75,028 miles introduces a fresh advisory trend that warrants attention. The most recent test flagged a nearside parking brake efficiency reading that only just met the legal threshold, alongside a damaged nearside rear brake cable. This suggests a braking system in early decline rather than a resolved issue. The prior December 2024 test at 63,092 miles was entirely clean, meaning these defects have emerged within the last 12 months and 12,000 miles. The maintenance trend is therefore stable to slightly worsening, with a new fault pattern appearing on the braking system after a previously unblemished record. Mileage accumulation sits at roughly 15,006 miles per year, which is high for a five-year-old commercial vehicle. The jump from 63,092 miles in December 2024 to 75,028 miles in December 2025 confirms sustained heavy use over the past year. This pace of wear places above-average stress on consumables, drivetrain mounts, and structural underbody components. There are no anomalous gaps in the record suggesting long periods of inactivity, but neither is there evidence of reduced use that might explain the sudden appearance of brake faults. The vehicle has simply been worked hard. The rear braking system is the primary area of concern. A damaged parking brake cable combined with marginal efficiency points to either a corroded or fraying cable run, potentially exacerbated by the vehicle's high annual mileage and frequent load cycling. Buyers should physically inspect the full rear cable routing for corrosion, chafing, and correct routing through the chassis. The rear calipers should be checked for binding, and the handbrake lever travel tested for excessive free play. Given the vehicle's commercial duty cycle, the rear brake discs and pads should be measured against specification, as marginal efficiency often accompanies worn friction material or scored disc faces. Beyond the flagged items, the underbody and suspension deserve a thorough inspection. High-mileage Transits frequently develop early wear in rear leaf spring bushes, front lower suspension arm bushes, and anti-roll bar linkages. Exhaust system integrity and DPF function should also be verified, as short-trip commercial use can lead to incomplete regeneration cycles and cumulative soot loading. A live diagnostic scan for stored fault codes and a road test focused on braking balance and parking brake hold on an incline would provide the clearest picture of the vehicle's current condition.