2016 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · EX66 GPZ

A pattern of deteriorating mechanical condition emerges from this Ford Transit's MOT history, with the most recent test on 17 October 2025 passing only after a prior failure just eight days earlier on 9 October 2025. The earlier test recorded major defects at the front axle, including a nearside front wheel bearing rough when rotated and an offside front suspension arm with an excessively worn pin or bush, alongside advisories for oil leakage and corroded brake pipework. The follow-up pass suggests these items were rectified, but the recurrence of brake pipe corrosion advisories across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests, combined with the suspension component failures in 2023 and 2025, points to ongoing chassis and braking system wear rather than a one-off issue. The 2024 test also contained a failure for non-functioning rear position and stop lamps, and both the 2023 and 2024 entries recorded major lighting defects, indicating intermittent electrical or lighting concerns at the body level. With 68,794 miles recorded over approximately a decade, this Transit has averaged around 6,879 miles per year, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a commercial vehicle of this age and avoids the concerns associated with either very low annual mileage or unusually high accumulation. The testing history shows consistent annual MOTs from 2021 onwards with no extended gaps off the road, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular service rather than being laid up for long periods. That said, the mileage is now sufficient for original suspension bushes, brake pipes, and wheel bearings to be showing meaningful wear, which aligns with the components appearing repeatedly in the test record. The fact that major suspension and bearing defects were flagged in both 2023 and 2025 indicates that wear is progressing despite annual testing. For a prospective buyer, the brake pipe corrosion advisories warrant close physical inspection underneath the vehicle, as pipes coated in grease or underseal can mask underlying corrosion that may have already weakened the metal. Listen for any scraping or grinding noises from the front wheels when cornering, as this can indicate the wheel bearing replacement carried out after October 2025 has seated correctly or conversely that further bearing wear has developed. On a test drive, pay particular attention to clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest the replacement suspension arm bush has worn prematurely or that adjacent components such as anti-roll bar linkages, also flagged as worn in 2024, are now deteriorating further. The oil leak advisory, present at both the October 2025 test entries, should be investigated for its source, as persistent leaks from engine or gearbox seals can migrate onto chassis components and accelerate corrosion of the already-affected brake pipes. The rear anti-roll bar linkage wear recorded in 2024 is another area to monitor, as these components influence body roll and handling stability, particularly under load. Check the rear tyres for uneven inner or outer wear patterns, which can indicate worn rear suspension bushes allowing camber misalignment. Inspect the underside thoroughly for any fresh underseal or grease applications, as these are commonly used to push an MOT test but do not constitute a structural repair. Finally, verify that all rear marker lamps, position lamps, and stop lamps are functioning correctly, given the repeated lighting failures in 2023 and 2024, and confirm that the registration plate illumination is operating on both sides. A pre-purchase inspection by a commercial vehicle specialist, ideally with the vehicle on a ramp, would be prudent to assess the true condition of the brake lines, suspension arms, and any residual oil leak paths.