2009 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · FE09 CYA

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 January 2026 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects, which is encouraging for a vehicle of this age and mileage. However, evaluating the maintenance trend across the recent history reveals a mixed pattern. The previous test on 9 January 2025 was also a clean pass, but earlier that same day the vehicle had failed on an advisory basis for an insufficient windscreen washer fluid supply. Going further back, the December 2023 test pass was accompanied by advisories concerning nearside front inner tyre wear and structural corrosion near the passenger seat base, and the prior test in late November 2022 produced both a fail (for a defective rear seat belt retractor, a non-functioning offside rear marker lamp, and an incorrect light colour to the rear) and several advisories relating to brake pipe corrosion, anti-roll bar linkage wear, inner tyre wear, and a corroded offside sill. The December 2021 pass similarly listed advisories for a broken rear light lens, an oil leak, general underbody corrosion, exhaust silencer corrosion, and structural corrosion. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the longer-term picture shows recurring corrosion issues, suspension wear, and tyre degradation that a buyer should not ignore. The recorded mileage of 122,750 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 7,200 miles, which is broadly typical for a working van of this vintage. The MOT history shows no obvious gaps in testing and the mileage progression appears reasonably consistent with regular use rather than long periods of standing. That said, this is a high-mileage commercial platform and even at average annual figures, components such as the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if applicable, turbocharger, injectors, and gearbox will have endured significant working life. The recorded oil leak advisory from 2021 warrants particular attention, as oil leaks on the Transit TDCi powerplants frequently originate from the cam belt cover, injector wiring harness, or front crankshaft seal, and any staining on the engine or undertray should be inspected on a live vehicle. Given the recurring advisories for tyre wear on both inner and outer edges, suspension arm and anti-roll bar linkage wear, and brake pipe corrosion, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical and dynamic inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or droplinks, and pay close attention to tracking and steering response, as worn inner edges on tyres typically point to suspension geometry issues such as perished or sagging bushes, bent components, or incorrect wheel alignment. Inspect all four tyres not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking or perishing consistent with age, and verify that replacements are of consistent make and size. Underneath, examine the brake pipes, fuel lines, and structural sills for advanced corrosion, particularly around the offside sill and any jacking points, and check the exhaust system for blowing joints or excessive corrosion at the silencer and mounting rubbers. The rear seat belt retractor that previously failed should be checked for full retraction and spooling, and all rear marker and position lamps should be verified for correct colour and operation. Beyond the specific advisories, a buyer of a seventeen-year-old Transit with this mileage profile should also consider the time-served condition of items that degrade with calendar age regardless of use. The 12V battery is a common failure point and should be load tested, while brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid will all benefit from replacement on a calendar basis regardless of service history, and the condition of the cam belt and water pump on the relevant diesel engine should be verified against the service book. Examine the discs and calipers for corrosion or seizing, particularly after any period of standing, and check the sliding door mechanism, tailgate struts, and load area floor for wear or water ingress. Finally, confirm the service book stamps and cross-reference the mileage recorded at each service with that shown on the MOT records, as consistent evidence of regular maintenance on a commercial vehicle of this age is one of the strongest indicators of long-term reliability.