2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · CV68 AUT

The 2018 Ford Transit Custom presented for its most recent DVSA MOT on 28 August 2026 and passed with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that at the point of test the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness standards. Reviewing the broader history, the trend is one of stable maintenance with minor, intermittent advisories rather than any pattern of escalating mechanical deterioration. Between 2022 and 2026 the van has passed four consecutive tests, with advisory notes limited to a single rear brake disc observation in December 2024 and tyre-related advisories in November 2025. There are no recorded failures, dangerous defects, or recurring component failures, which is reassuring for a commercial vehicle of this age and operational profile. The cleanest of the recent tests suggest that previously flagged wear items have either been rectified or have not progressed to a failable condition. The recorded mileage of 85,500 miles over approximately eight years equates to an annual average of around 10,688 miles, which is broadly typical for a light commercial vehicle of this type and broadly in line with what one might expect from a working Transit Custom. There is no evidence in the MOT record of significant mileage gaps or periods of standing inactivity, nor of unusually rapid accumulation that might indicate hard commercial use. This consistent, moderate rate of use is generally favourable from a mechanical standpoint, as it tends to avoid the two principal extremes of accelerated wear from high mileage and age-related degradation from prolonged standing. For a vehicle of this vintage, the recorded odometer figure remains credible and consistent across the test entries. Although the recent MOT outcome is clean, the advisory notes recorded in 2025 warrant careful attention from a prospective buyer. The offside rear tyre was flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, with a separate advisory noting slight cracking or perishing to the same tyre. Edge wear on a single rear tyre on a rear-wheel-drive commercial van can be indicative of tracking misalignment, uneven axle loading, or suspension geometry issues, and the buyer should inspect all four tyres closely for similar uneven wear patterns and verify that the offside rear has been replaced with a matching specification. During a test drive, listen for any pulling under braking or steering wander that could suggest the tracking has not been corrected. The 2024 advisory concerning both rear brake discs being worn but not excessively suggests these components are approaching a serviceable limit; on a test drive, observe whether the brakes pull to one side or exhibit any shudder or vibration under firm application, which would indicate the discs have now worn beyond tolerance and require machining or replacement, potentially in conjunction with new pads. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of eight years and this mileage warrants several age- and calendar-based inspection points that fall outside the MOT scope. Diesel particulate filter condition should be discussed with the vendor, particularly whether the van has been used predominantly for short journeys which accelerate soot accumulation and can lead to regeneration issues. The 12-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its typical service life and should be load-tested, as a failing battery is one of the most common causes of non-start situations in vehicles of this age. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should have been changed at least every two years regardless of mileage, so verify the date of the last fluid exchange. Inspect the underside and inner wheel arches for any corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframe seams, and the rear axle, as Transit Customs of this generation can be prone to surface and structural corrosion in harsher operating environments. Finally, confirm a full main dealer or specialist service history with evidence of cambelt or timing chain inspection intervals, clutch operation, and any turbocharger or injector work, as these represent significant forthcoming expenditure if neglected on a diesel commercial vehicle approaching the upper end of its working life.