2013 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · CU63 DVM

A pattern of chronic corrosion and recurring suspension wear defines the mechanical outlook for this 2013 Ford Transit, with the latest test on 13 March 2026 narrowly achieving a pass after a fail just eight days earlier on 5 March 2026. The sills have been flagged as corroded on every recorded test since at least March 2023, with both outer sills repeatedly noted, indicating a structural deterioration trend that warrants close physical inspection rather than dismissal as a minor advisory. The most recent failure involved an offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with slight play, alongside advisories for a nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage bush and a nearside front tyre worn on its edge, suggesting the front geometry is degrading unevenly under load. The fact that the vehicle failed and then passed within the same month indicates the anti-roll bar issue was likely rectified between tests, but the underlying components remain high-wear items on a vehicle of this age and mileage. With 243,781 miles accumulated over roughly thirteen years, this Transit averages close to 18,750 miles per year, a heavy commercial usage profile that places sustained demand on drivetrain, suspension, and braking components far beyond typical private-car expectations. The mileage progression across the recorded tests is consistent rather than erratic, with no obvious gaps to suggest long periods off the road, so the advisories and wear patterns observed can reasonably be treated as reflecting genuine active service. Oil leaks from the engine and gearbox have been flagged repeatedly across 2023, 2024, and 2025, which is consistent with the cumulative demands of high-mileage operation on seals and gaskets. The prop shaft bearing slight play noted in March 2025 is another mileage-driven wear item, and the frayed offside front seat belt webbing recorded the same year points to genuine commercial interior use rather than cosmetic ageing. For a prospective buyer, the sills should be examined on a ramp or with the vehicle raised, paying close attention to whether the corrosion is surface-only or has progressed to perforation, as outer sill integrity directly affects structural rigidity and future MOT pass prospects. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over bumps, particularly from the offside, where the anti-roll bar ball joint was previously flagged, and check for any looseness or wandering in the steering that could indicate worn linkages or bushes beyond the advisory thresholds. Feel for vibration through the floor or under load, which could relate to the prop shaft bearing play recorded in 2025, and inspect the underside for fresh oil residue tracking down from the engine or gearbox casings, as recurring leaks often worsen between tests. The nearside front tyre worn on its edge suggests a tracking or suspension geometry issue, so verify the tyre wear pattern is even across all four corners after any recent alignment work. Finally, confirm that the registration plate deterioration and offside cab light inoperability noted in March 2026 have been addressed, as these are minor but indicative of general presentation and electrical upkeep. Given the high annual mileage and the recurring anti-roll bar, prop shaft, and oil leak advisories, budgeting for continued spend on suspension consumables, fluid seals, and possible structural repairs to the sills within the next twelve months is prudent. A pre-purchase inspection by a commercial vehicle specialist, ideally with the vehicle on a lift, would be strongly advisable to verify the depth of the sill corrosion and the current state of the anti-roll bar components before committing.