2005 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · FD05 BSU

The latest MOT test in January 2023 resulted in a pass, but the advisories reveal a concerning trend of worsening corrosion, particularly in structural and underbody areas such as the nearside rear outer sill, nearside centre inner sill, and offside front door step. The recurring advisories for corroded brake pipes, first noted in 2019 and again in 2023, alongside earlier warnings of general underside corrosion, suggest that while the vehicle has remained roadworthy, its long-term structural integrity and brake system reliability are under threat. The maintenance trend appears to be deteriorating, with corrosion-related issues becoming more frequent and widespread over time. At 21 years old with a recorded 81,688 miles, the annual mileage averages around 3,890 miles, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age and type. Such minimal usage raises concerns about prolonged periods of inactivity, which can lead to its own set of problems, including seized or binding components, degraded fluids, and accelerated deterioration of rubber and plastic parts due to age rather than wear. The low mileage does not necessarily indicate a lightly used vehicle in good mechanical health; instead, it may point to extended standing, which can be just as detrimental as high mileage. Prospective buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the underbody, paying close attention to the sills, door steps, and brake pipes, as these areas have a documented history of corrosion. Brake pipes covered in grease or other materials to mask corrosion should be treated with suspicion, as they may fail under pressure or during a future MOT. On a test drive, listen for excessive play in the steering, which was noted as an advisory in 2021, and check for uneven braking or a spongy pedal, which could indicate compromised brake lines. Additionally, inspect the propshaft centre bearing rubber bush, which was flagged as worn in 2017, as continued deterioration could lead to vibrations or driveline noise. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also assess components prone to degradation from standing, such as the 12V battery, which may suffer from sulphation, and the coolant system, which had a recorded leak in 2020. Check tyre sidewalls for deep cracking or perishing, as aged rubber loses flexibility and integrity regardless of tread depth. Verify service history for timely fluid changes, as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid degrade over time, even with minimal use. Finally, examine the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly the rear silencer, which was noted as corroded in 2018, and ensure all lights, including the rear registration plate lamp, are functional, as electrical gremlins often arise in older, infrequently used vehicles.