2016 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · FE66 CSZ

The 2016 Ford Transit currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed its most recent test on 26 August 2025 with no failures or major defects recorded. However, a thorough review of the recent DVSA history reveals a pattern of recurring advisory items and a prior dangerous failure that warrants careful attention from any prospective buyer. The 2024 test recorded a dangerous defect for rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, alongside major advisories for excessively worn front suspension arm rear bushes on both sides. While the vehicle subsequently passed the 2025 test, the persistence of advisories relating to the offside rear brake pipe corrosion, the deteriorating rear exhaust silencer, and the slightly frayed offside front seat belt webbing suggests that underlying mechanical deterioration has continued between tests. The most recent 2026 advisory list now shows the offside front brake pipe additionally exhibiting corrosion, indicating that brake line corrosion is progressing across the vehicle rather than remaining static. Overall, the maintenance trend appears to be stable in terms of pass/fail outcomes, but the accumulating advisories point to a vehicle with multiple ageing items that are likely to require rectification in the near term. The recorded mileage of 72,322 miles across a ten-year service life equates to around 7,232 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a commercial vehicle of this age, though slightly below the average for working Transits. The MOT records indicate relatively consistent annual usage with no significant gaps in testing, suggesting the vehicle has remained in active service rather than being laid up for extended periods. This regular use pattern is generally favourable from a corrosion and standing-still perspective, as prolonged inactivity often accelerates deterioration of brake discs, calliper mechanisms, and underbody components. However, the sustained workload implied by this mileage means that consumable items such as brake pads, discs, suspension bushes, and tyres will have experienced normal wear cycles, and any deferred maintenance will now be presenting itself through the recurring advisories. The persistent advisories relating to brake pipe corrosion are particularly significant and merit close scrutiny. Corroded brake pipes, even when merely coated in grease or other material, indicate surface oxidation that will progressively weaken the pipe wall and can ultimately lead to fluid leaks or pipe failure under braking pressure. A prospective buyer should carefully inspect the offside rear and front brake lines for visible rust, pitting, or signs of active seepage, and should budget for likely replacement in the near future. On a test drive, listen for any sponginess or excessive travel in the brake pedal, and observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, which could indicate uneven calliper operation or hydraulic issues. Given that this Transit has now carried front brake disc pitting advisories for four consecutive years and previously failed on brake pad wear, a comprehensive brake system inspection including measurement of remaining pad material and calliper slide pin condition would be prudent before purchase. The frayed driver seat belt webbing is also a safety-critical item requiring replacement, as fraying compromises the belt's ability to restrain occupants in a collision. Beyond the documented advisories, the suspension history deserves particular attention given the dangerous failure for excessively worn front suspension arm rear bushes in 2024. While the 2025 and 2026 tests passed without re-flagging this issue, suspension bushes can deteriorate rapidly once initial wear begins, and it would be wise to listen for clonks, knocks, or creaks over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres on a test drive. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, can also indicate worn suspension components or alignment issues, and the 2025 advisories for nearside and offside front tyres worn on the edge support this concern. Additional age-appropriate checks should include a thorough inspection of tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking given the ten-year age of the original rubber compounds, verification of the 12V battery's health and state of charge, and confirmation that brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil have been changed in line with calendar-based servicing schedules rather than purely mileage intervals. Finally, the deteriorating rear exhaust silencer should be physically inspected for holes, rattles, or weak mounting rubbers, as a failing silencer will produce increased cabin noise and may ultimately affect emissions compliance.