2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · EX67 CFV

The 2024 MOT test resulted in a PASS, with the vehicle presented only three days after a prior failure for lighting defects, suggesting that rectification work was carried out promptly. The most recent pass did, however, carry forward two minor defects regarding an offside front side repeater lens and an insecure nearside rear outline marker lamp, alongside four advisories. Across the recorded history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but trending towards an accumulation of wear-related advisories as the vehicle accrues mileage. The 2022 to 2024 period has shown repeated minor lighting defects and a notably failed test for headlamp function and aim, while earlier years were largely clean apart from isolated brake disc advisories. The presence of an advisory relating to handbrake travel and cable slack at the most recent test indicates developing adjustment needs on the parking brake mechanism, and the tyre advisories suggest that the wheel alignment or suspension geometry may be approaching a point where replacement and inspection will be required. With 122,258 miles recorded over nine years, this Transit has averaged approximately 13,584 miles annually, which is high for a commercial vehicle of this age and well above the typical usage pattern of comparable Transits used for light commercial duties. This level of mileage indicates sustained, demanding service, which accelerates wear on all major mechanical assemblies including the clutch, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel if applicable, suspension components, and braking system. The relatively continuous annual testing pattern with no significant gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than standing for prolonged periods, which is generally favourable for avoiding calendar-related deterioration but does mean that mechanical consumables have been worked hard. Buyers should anticipate that any high-mileage diesel commercial vehicle of this vintage will likely require or be nearing replacement of timing belt and water pump components, clutch assembly, and major suspension items within the near term. The recurring advisory items across multiple test cycles warrant specific attention from a prospective buyer. The persistent brake disc pitting and scoring advisories from 2021 through 2022 indicate that the braking system has been subjected to considerable use, and although the discs were not deemed seriously weakened at the time of those tests, the condition will have progressed since. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application, which would suggest disc warping, and feel for any pulling to one side indicating uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. The front tyre advisories relating to inner edge wear are particularly significant, as this pattern is characteristic of worn suspension bushes, sagging coil springs, or worn wishbone bushings, all of which are common failure points on high-mileage Transits. Bounce the front of the vehicle and listen for clonks or knocking from the suspension, and inspect the tyres carefully for uneven shoulder wear. The damaged rear tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking and perishing given that twin rear axles can mask uneven loading, and replacements should be considered prior to purchase if deterioration is evident. Further inspection should focus on items that the MOT history does not directly cover but which are highly relevant given the vehicle's age and mileage. The lighting defects and headlamp aim issue from the failed 2024 test suggest that wiring integrity and earth connections should be examined, particularly on the nearside front headlamp assembly, as corrosion in connectors can cause intermittent failures. The handbrake cable adjuster advisory requires checking that the travel has been correctly reset and that the cable is not frayed near the compensator. Given the high annual mileage, verify the service history thoroughly, ensuring that brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid have been renewed at appropriate calendar intervals regardless of the recorded service schedule. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance, as commercial vehicles often suffer from repeated short journeys that do not fully recharge the battery. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or rear differential, and examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, which is typical on high-mileage diesels. Finally, given that this vehicle has been operating at sustained high mileage, a thorough diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes in the engine, transmission, and ABS control units would be prudent, as recurring transient faults may not always trigger an MOT failure but can indicate developing sensor or component issues.