2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · CT68 CFD

The most recent DVSA examination recorded against this 2018 Ford Transit Custom, dated 17 November 2025, resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories noted, which represents the most favourable possible outcome. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle has demonstrated a highly consistent and stable maintenance trend, achieving pass results without any recorded advisories, failures, or minor defects across every test stretching back to November 2021. A five-year run of defect-free MOT certificates suggests that the vehicle has been conscientiously maintained, with wear items such as brakes, tyres, suspension components, and lighting systems evidently kept within legal and serviceable limits throughout its life. The absence of any recurrence patterns or repeat advisories indicates that no underlying or developing fault has been flagged during statutory inspections, which is a reassuring indicator for any prospective purchaser. With 176,342 miles accumulated over approximately eight years, this Transit Custom is recording roughly 22,000 miles annually, placing it firmly in the high-mileage commercial usage bracket. This figure is consistent with a working light commercial vehicle that has likely seen regular load carrying, urban stop-start driving, and long-distance motorway work. Such usage profiles accelerate wear on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, injectors, and rear suspension components, particularly the parabolic leaf springs and bushes which are common failure points on the Transit Custom platform. Furthermore, a continuous and high annual mileage implies that the engine and gearbox have been worked hard, and although regular servicing can mitigate this, the drivetrain will inevitably show signs of fatigue compared to a lower-mileage equivalent. Given the entirely clean MOT history and the absence of any advisories to investigate, physical inspection should instead focus on the age and mileage-driven wear items that fall outside statutory test parameters. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the operation of the clutch, specifically listening for juddering on take-off which would suggest dual-mass flywheel wear, and watch for any slipping under load or unusual gearbox behaviour. Listen for suspension clunks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or shock absorber mounting wear common on high-mileage Transits. Check the turbocharger for consistent boost response and any sign of blue smoke on overrun, and inspect the underside for any oil or coolant leaks that may not have yet triggered an MOT failure but suggest impending maintenance. Additional age-related checks are strongly recommended regardless of the clean MOT record. The 2018 build year means the original 12V battery is likely overdue for replacement, particularly given the high electrical load of commercial use, so verify cranking speed and confirm whether a recent battery has been fitted. Examine the tyres closely for sidewall perishing or cracking, which occurs with age rather than mileage and can be an MOT failure even with legal tread depth, and inspect the brake discs for any lipping or binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle has stood for periods between work. Verify the service book stamps to confirm regular oil and filter changes at manufacturer intervals, and check the timing belt or chain service history depending on the specific engine derivative. Finally, assess the rear load area floor and side panels for corrosion or structural damage from heavy use, and ensure that the exhaust system, while currently emissions compliant, has sufficient remaining service life, as catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters on high-mileage commercial vehicles are expensive components that may require budgeting for in the near future.