2004 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · FE54 VDO

The Ford Transit presents a broadly stable roadworthiness trend, with the most recent test on 2 October 2024 at 136,489 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. Earlier examinations in September 2022 at 135,007 miles and June 2020 at 135,000 miles also passed clean. A single failure on 25 June 2021 shows no listed defects, an irregularity that interrupts an otherwise consistent pass history. The maintenance pattern appears steady rather than worsening, though the anomalous fail warrants verification. Mileage accumulation sits below the typical annual average for a 2004 panel van. The record shows 131,700 miles at the June 2019 test, rising to 135,000 by June 2020, then only 135,007 by September 2022. That seven-mile increment across twenty-seven months implies the vehicle stood largely idle or covered negligible distance. By the October 2024 test it reached 136,489 miles, adding under 1,500 miles in two years. Such low recent use on a 22-year-old chassis suggests prolonged static periods that can accelerate corrosion and degrade rubber suspension bushes, though the sparse clean records give little direct evidence of neglect. A buyer should physically inspect structural integrity and hidden rust on frame rails, sills, and suspension mounting points, as the MOT history logs no advisories despite the vehicle's age. The tester flagged no brake disc wear, binding calipers or exhaust emissions issues, but two decades of service demand hands-on checks of coil springs, steering joints and brake hoses. The unexplained June 2021 failure with zero defects recorded requires the buyer to obtain the original test certificate or DVSA explanation before purchase. Previous keepers appear to have maintained statutory testing but the minimal mileage between 2020 and 2022 hints at sporadic use rather than rigorous daily operation. Verify service history alongside the MOT to confirm coolant, timing belt and drivetrain care. Given the clean slate of advisories, a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist remains prudent to catch incipient corrosion or worn consumables not yet at failure threshold.