2004 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · CU04 AEZ

The 2004 Fiat Ducato’s most recent MOT test on 30 July 2025—just over a year ago—confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. This marks the fifth consecutive pass since 2022, though the single failure in August of that year (also at 38,996 miles) was unusual, as it was the only instance of a test being repeated within days. The absence of advisories or recurring faults suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, with no evidence of chronic issues like suspension deterioration, excessive brake wear, or structural corrosion. However, the lack of defects does not preclude hidden wear—especially in high-mileage components like coil springs, steering racks, or exhaust systems—which would require a thorough mechanical inspection. The recorded mileage of 48,250 miles over nearly 22 years equates to an average of just 2,193 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a commercial vehicle of this age. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or limited use, which could mitigate some wear but also raises concerns about fluid degradation—brakes, power steering, and coolant—if the vehicle was stored without proper servicing. The gap between tests is consistent at around 12 months, with no rapid mileage spikes or extended periods without testing, which would have indicated neglect or aggressive driving. Still, the 2022 repeat test at identical mileage is puzzling; unless the vehicle was off-road or used for heavy towing, this anomaly warrants closer scrutiny of the braking system or suspension alignment. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue in this model. The steering rack and tie rods should be checked for play or fluid leaks, as these are common failure points in older Ducatos. Brake discs and calipers—despite no recorded failures—may show uneven wear, especially if the vehicle was used for towing or heavy loads. Corrosion is another critical factor; inspect the underbody for rust around the sills, wheel arches, and exhaust system, as prolonged storage can accelerate deterioration. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system, as catalytic converter failures are not uncommon in this model, and a failing converter would have triggered an advisory in recent tests.