2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · ER58 DAD

The most recent MOT, conducted on 8 August 2025 at 47,780 miles, shows the vehicle passed with no defects—a positive outcome following a period of inconsistent maintenance. However, the trend between 2024 and 2025 reveals a concerning pattern: the July 2024 test initially failed due to critically worn front and rear brake pads (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) and a structurally compromised offside front inner tyre (5.2.3 (d) (ii)), which was repaired before the retest just one day later. That the vehicle then passed cleanly in August 2023 and August 2022 suggests these issues were not chronic but rather indicative of deferred maintenance. The absence of defects in the 2025 test implies the brake and tyre problems were addressed promptly, though the rapid failure-to-pass cycle in 2024 signals a lapse in regular checks. The mileage accumulation of roughly 5,972 miles per year is unusually low for an eight-year-old commercial vehicle, averaging just under 6,000 miles annually. This suggests either light commercial use or prolonged periods of inactivity, with the largest single-year jump occurring between August 2023 (33,573 miles) and July 2024 (44,291 miles)—a gain of 10,718 miles in under 12 months. The subsequent 3,489-mile increase from July 2024 to August 2025 further supports sporadic rather than continuous operation. Such low mileage typically reduces wear on suspension, drivetrain, and engine components, but the 2024 brake and tyre failures indicate that even minimal use can lead to critical issues if maintenance is neglected. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on the braking system, given the 2024 failures on both front and rear pads. Binding calipers or uneven pad wear could still be present, so a thorough inspection of disc thickness, rotor condition, and hydraulic fluid levels is essential. The structurally compromised tyre in 2024 raises questions about wheel alignment or excessive loading—check for uneven tread wear or signs of past damage on all tyres. While the suspension and exhaust show no recorded issues, the vehicle’s age and low mileage history mean corrosion in wheel arches, underseal, or chassis rails could have developed. Finally, verify that the brake repairs were carried out with quality parts, as cheap pads or rotors may have accelerated wear.