2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · E17 RAL

The 2.0-litre diesel Transit should return around 35-40 mpg under typical mixed loading conditions, though heavily-laden work use will see that drop into the high 20s. Road tax for a van of this specification sits in a relatively modest band given commercial vehicle classification, but the Class 3 commercial vehicle rate (currently around £165 annually for a 2.0 diesel of this age) should be budgeted. Insurance for a 2018 Transit typically falls into group 30-40 depending on use case and driver history, so obtain a van-specific quote rather than a car policy. Typical annual maintenance for a high-mileage diesel Transit — covering tyres, brakes, fluids and routine servicing — will likely run £600-£900, with bigger items like clutches, turbo work or injector servicing adding to that figure as the van ages further. Overall estimated annual running costs land in the £2,400-£3,000 range once fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance are combined.

Begin with a thorough walkaround and underneath inspection, paying close attention to the anti-roll bar bushes and drop links, which the model-level data identifies as a recurring failure point across the Ford Transit range. Check all headlamp units for condensation, cracked lenses and correct beam pattern, as headlamp issues are the most common MOT failure for this model. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear patterns — outside shoulder wear often points to worn suspension bushes or alignment issues, while inner-edge wear can indicate tracking problems. Look for oil leaks around the engine, particularly from the front crankshaft seal and turbo plumbing, and inspect the underside for any corrosion or evidence of patch repairs. Finally, verify the payload area condition, check for warning lights on the dashboard, and confirm the mileage progression matches the MOT-recorded figures (90,057 → 100,654 → 112,423 → 119,680), which shows consistent annual mileage of around 10,000-12,000 miles.