2022 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · CF22 AAZ

The most recent MOT test on 8 July 2026 resulted in a pass, following an initial failure on the same date for headlamp aim issues. While the vehicle ultimately achieved a pass certificate, the test is not without concerns. Two Major defects were recorded relating to headlamp alignment, one for the offside lamp being aimed too high and another for the nearside lamp projecting an obviously incorrect beam image. These are typically straightforward adjustments, but on a 2022 Transit Custom they warrant verification that the lamps are properly secured, that the adjustment motors or manual adjusters are functioning correctly, and that there is no underlying damage to the headlamp units or mounting points. Additionally, a persistent advisory was logged for a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, indicating uneven wear that points toward a possible tracking, suspension, or camber issue. Looking at the broader pattern, the 2025 test also flagged a dangerous nearside rear tyre defect alongside a damaged rear lamp unit, suggesting that tyre condition and lamp integrity have been recurring areas of attention rather than isolated incidents. The recorded mileage of 53,846 miles over four years equates to approximately 13,500 miles per year, which is notably high for a commercial vehicle of this age and considerably above the typical annual mileage for a Transit Custom. The MOT history does not reveal any significant gaps in recording, which suggests consistent usage rather than long periods of standing. This level of annual mileage means that wear-sensitive components such as brake pads, brake discs, clutch (if manual), suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain mounts will have experienced substantially more stress than on a lower-mileage equivalent. It is reasonable to expect that consumables have been replaced on a relatively frequent cycle, and any prospective buyer should be particularly attentive to evidence of recent major servicing, including timing belt or chain inspection records, and to the general condition of the undercarriage. Given the recurring tyre advisories and the dangerous tyre failure recorded in 2025, a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres plus the spare is essential. Check the tread depth across the full width of each tyre, not just the centre, and look for uneven wear patterns, feathering, or one-sided wear that could indicate worn suspension bushes, droplinks, or tracking misalignment. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, which could signify worn anti-roll bar bushes or top mounts, and pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration. The headlamp issues should be verified by a simple visual check at night against a flat surface or garage door, ensuring both beams are level and symmetrically positioned, and that the lamp lenses are free from water ingress or cracks. Beyond the recorded defects, this high-mileage 2022 Transit Custom warrants a comprehensive mechanical appraisal covering areas not typically assessed during an MOT. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as commercial vehicles often suffer from short urban journeys that prevent adequate charging. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting, particularly given potential periods of standing between jobs, and caliper sliders should be checked for seizing which can cause uneven pad wear. All fluid services should be verified by service book stamps, including engine oil, brake fluid (which degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage and should typically be renewed every two years), coolant, and transmission fluid. The exhaust system should be examined for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and joints, and the underbody should be inspected for any surface corrosion or structural concerns, especially given that commercial vehicles frequently operate in harsh conditions. A compression test or diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes would also be prudent given the accumulated mileage.