2021 Ford Transit Custom 300LEADER Eblue 2.0L Diesel · ET21 DNJ

A 2021 Ford Transit Custom carrying 117,374 miles presents a notable usage pattern, yet its MOT record is remarkably clean. Across four recorded tests beginning in October 2024 and culminating in a pass on 24 February 2026, the vehicle has consistently met roadworthiness standards without any advisories, failures, or component-specific defects flagged by DVSA testers. The single failed entry on 11 October 2024 carries no recorded defects, suggesting a retest scenario where the original issues were rectified or the test was aborted before inspection, rather than chronic mechanical deterioration. This absence of recorded wear items across 16 months of testing is unusual for a commercial vehicle at this mileage, indicating that the brake components, suspension assemblies, underbody structure, and exhaust system have not deteriorated to advisory or failure thresholds under DVSA criteria. The overall trend is one of stable, consistent roadworthiness. The mileage accumulation rate of roughly 23,475 miles per year is considerably above average for a five-year-old vehicle, particularly for one classified as a light commercial. This profile is consistent with sustained commercial deployment, such as delivery work, trades use, or fleet operation, rather than occasional private use. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables and drivetrain components beyond what is typical for a passenger car of equivalent age, placing greater demand on clutches, dual-mass flywheels, turbochargers, injector systems, and the EBlue mild-hybrid architecture specific to this model. The continuous year-on-year testing from late 2024 through early 2026 confirms the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up, which is positive for avoiding corrosion progression and stale fluid issues, but reinforces that mechanical components have been under sustained load. Given the high commercial mileage and the absence of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should not assume the drivetrain is in identical condition to a lower-mileage example. On inspection, pay close attention to the EBlue 48-volt mild-hybrid system, including the belt-driven integrated starter generator and its associated wiring, as these components can develop faults under heavy use that may not yet trigger MOT failure. Listen for any unusual noises from the clutch area during a hill start, as dual-mass flywheels in Transits at this mileage commonly show signs of rattle or vibration on take-off. The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine should be checked for any evidence of oil misting around the turbocharger, intercooler pipes, and the upper engine area, and the exhaust emissions should be assessed for excessive smoke, particularly under load. The brakes, steering, and suspension assemblies warrant particular scrutiny despite the clean MOT record, as commercial use accelerates wear between tests. On a test drive, feel for any pulling under braking, which could indicate binding calipers or uneven disc wear, and listen for knocking or clonking over uneven roads, which would suggest worn front suspension bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or transverse blade springs at the rear, a known wear point on the Transit Custom platform. Steering should remain precise without vibration through the wheel, and the power steering system should be quiet. Underneath, look closely for any early signs of corrosion on the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs, as Transits used heavily on winter roads can develop underbody corrosion before it reaches MOT advisory thresholds. Finally, verify the timing belt or chain service history, as the 2.0 EcoBlue engine is timing chain-driven, and at this mileage the chain, tensioner, and guides should be inspected for stretch, particularly if any rattle is heard on a cold start.