2013 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · DX63 RFO

The 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine in this Transit typically returns around 32-36 mpg under mixed load conditions, dropping to high 20s when fully laden. Fuel costs will be the single largest expense given the annual mileage implied by the MOT history — averaging roughly 9,000 miles per year across the recorded tests, but the jump from 117,134 to 135,739 miles in just over a year suggests closer to 18,000 miles of use in that period, which would push fuel bills to £3,000-£3,500 annually at current diesel prices.

Road tax for a 2013 2.2-litre diesel Transit falls in a relatively expensive commercial vehicle band, typically £275-£300 per year, and insurance for a van of this age and value usually sits in groups 7-9, meaning premiums of £600-£900 depending on the driver's history. Add routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes, brake fluid, and tyre replacement, and the realistic annual running cost sits firmly in the upper bracket.

Given the recent MOT failures involving brake discs, suspension arms, and transmission seals, buyers should budget an additional £800-£1,500 in catch-up maintenance in the first year to bring the vehicle up to a reliable standard. Overall estimated annual running cost is £2,800-£3,800.

Start with a physical inspection of the braking system, as this vehicle has now recorded brake-related advisories or failures at three consecutive MOTs. Specifically check the front brake pads and discs for remaining thickness, examine the nearside front brake pipe for corrosion pitting, and inspect the rear brake discs for scoring or cracking — a seriously weakened rear disc was rejected in December 2024. Also test all lighting, including the stop lamps, outline marker lamps, registration plate lamp, rear fog lamp, and reversing lamp, since multiple lighting failures appeared on the December 2024 and December 2025 tests.

Next, raise the vehicle and inspect the rear suspension link rods and ball joints for play, and check both rear hub seals for fresh oil seepage, as both rear hub seals were reported as leaking in December 2024. Place a hand under the transmission tail shaft area if accessible to look for drips. The tyres should also be examined for uneven inner-edge wear, which was flagged on the 2024 test and can indicate geometry or suspension issues on a heavily loaded rear-wheel-drive van.

Finally, check for general corrosion around the load floor edges, wheel arches, and battery tray — the model-level data shows corrosion is a leading failure reason for Transits of this generation. Verify the condition of the exhaust downpipe and EGR valve, common wear points on the 2.2 TDCi engine at this mileage, and confirm that the diesel particulate filter has not been removed or is functioning correctly.