2014 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · CE64 FBA

The most recent MOT test on the 2014 Ford Transit, conducted on 2026-04-10, resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround from the vehicle’s previous test history. While the advisory conditions from 2023 and 2024 regarding brake pad wear and offside front suspension ball joint play persisted in prior tests, the absence of such issues in the latest assessment suggests either effective remedial work or a stabilisation of wear patterns. However, the failure in 2022—where the offside front drive shaft constant velocity (CV) boot was deemed split and no longer effective—remains a critical concern, indicating a history of persistent mechanical degradation in the drivetrain’s sealing integrity. This failure highlights a recurring theme of component fatigue, particularly in high-motion areas like the suspension and drivetrain, which may have been exacerbated by either aggressive usage or prolonged exposure to environmental stresses. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 122,150 miles at the time of this assessment aligns with a typical annual usage rate of approximately 10,179 miles, which reflects a moderate to heavy workload over its 12-year lifespan. Such mileage suggests sustained operational demands, particularly in the drivetrain and suspension systems, where wear accelerates under prolonged stress. The absence of significant mileage gaps between tests—such as those indicative of long periods of inactivity—further supports the likelihood of consistent usage, which can accelerate component wear, especially in critical areas like the CV joints, brake pads, and suspension bushings. Buyers should be aware that this usage profile may have contributed to the observed advisories and the 2022 CV boot failure, warranting closer attention to these systems. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent inspection priorities should centre on the drivetrain and suspension, given the historical CV joint failure and recurring ball joint play advisories. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the offside front axle, particularly during acceleration and cornering, as a failing CV joint may produce a whining or clunking sound from the boot area or a grinding noise if the joint itself is worn. Inspect the CV boot visually for cracks, splits, or signs of dirt ingress, and check for excessive play in the ball joint by gently pushing and pulling the offside front wheel—any noticeable movement beyond normal tolerance could indicate further deterioration. Additionally, monitor the braking performance, especially on the offside front, where thin pad wear was previously noted; a soft or spongy brake pedal or uneven stopping distances may signal deeper issues with the brake system, including potential warping or binding calipers. Beyond the mechanical concerns, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant a thorough examination of consumables and structural integrity. Given the 2018 MOT advisory regarding an inoperative high-level brake on the offside rear, verify that the rear brake system is fully functional, including checking for corrosion on the rear brake discs and ensuring no binding in the calipers. Inspect the tyres for signs of sidewall perishing, which can occur with age even at moderate mileage, and measure tread depth to confirm compliance with legal limits. The 12V battery should be tested for charge retention and overall health, as older vehicles are more susceptible to dry-cell corrosion or failure, particularly if the vehicle has been left unused for extended periods. Finally, consider the calendar-based servicing of fluids, such as the coolant, brake fluid, and differential oil, as these may have degraded over time despite the vehicle’s operational history. A comprehensive service history check would also be invaluable, as the lack of recorded service stamps in the MOT history could indicate gaps in maintenance, which may have contributed to the observed wear patterns.