2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · EX18 PEO

The most recent DVSA examination dated 24 June 2026 returned a PASS, which is a positive immediate result, however the accompanying advisories and the history of the preceding tests paint a picture of a braking and suspension system that is under considerable stress and requires close scrutiny. Both the 30 April 2026 pass and the 24 June 2026 pass carried advisories for nearside and offside front brake pipes corroded and covered in grease or other material, indicating a persistent issue that has been left unresolved between tests. More concerning is the dangerous failure recorded on 27 April 2026, where the offside front brake pads were found to be less than 1.5 mm thick, the offside rear brake hose to the caliper was leaking on a hydraulic system, and a major defect for brake performance unable to be tested was issued. The vehicle was repaired and retested within three days, which suggests remedial work was undertaken, but the reappearance of brake pipe corrosion advisories only two months later implies the underlying deterioration has not been fully addressed. The offside rear inner brake pad advisory in the latest test, combined with the earlier suspension arm rear bush wear advisory on the offside front lower arm, points to a recurring offside bias in component wear that warrants further investigation. The recorded mileage of 162,904 miles over an eight-year period equates to an average of approximately 20,363 miles per year, which is well above the typical usage for a private vehicle and consistent with commercial fleet or heavy trade operation. This level of annual mileage places significant demand on the clutch, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and braking components, all of which are likely to have been replaced at least once during the vehicle's life. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for avoiding long-term corrosion and perished components but unfavourable for high-wear items reaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on the braking system, as the recent history shows multiple brake-related advisories and a dangerous failure. Inspect the front brake discs visually for lipping, scoring, and corrosion around the outer edge, and request a thickness measurement as the pitted and scored advisory from the April 2026 failure suggests they may be approaching the minimum tolerance. Examine all visible brake pipes along their length for surface corrosion, blistering under the underseal, or flaking, particularly at the front where the advisories have been repeated, and check the flexible brake hoses for cracking, swelling, or any signs of fluid weeping at the unions. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the brakes on initial application, feel for a soft or spongy brake pedal indicating possible air ingress or hose failure, and pull away sharply to confirm the vehicle stops in a straight line without pulling to one side, which could indicate a seized caliper or uneven pad wear. The suspension should also be examined closely, particularly the offside front lower arm rear bush which has been flagged as worn on two consecutive tests. Place the vehicle on level ground and push down firmly on each corner to check for excessive bounce, and listen for clonking or rattling over speed humps and uneven road surfaces which would indicate worn bushes, droplink, or anti-roll bar mounts. The front brake pipe advisories being covered in grease may suggest an attempt to temporarily seal corrosion rather than replace the pipe, so a garage inspection with the wheel removed and the pipe cleaned would be advisable. Given the high mileage and commercial use profile, verify the timing belt or chain service interval has been observed, check the condition of the clutch for slipping under load or juddering on take-off, and confirm the van is due for its scheduled major service including brake fluid replacement every two years irrespective of condition, as brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and degrades even on low-use vehicles. A pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage with the vehicle raised on a ramp would be highly recommended to assess the underside corrosion, suspension component condition, and any persistent brake system issues that may not be fully visible from the MOT records alone.