2022 Ford Transit 350 Leader Mhev 2.0L Diesel · FH22 LPJ

The vehicle passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 1 September 2025 with no failures recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness. However, two items were noted during that inspection that warrant attention from a prospective buyer. The advisory concerning the offside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear suggests uneven wear patterns that typically point toward either incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension components, or a combination of both. The minor defect recorded for a crack in the front windscreen is classified as not adversely affecting the driver's view at present, but windscreen damage can propagate over time due to thermal cycling, vibration, and road impacts, meaning it could escalate into a failure category at the next test if left unaddressed. Given that only one MOT entry is available in the history, it is not possible to establish a definitive trend of improvement or deterioration, but the clean pass combined with only minor observations suggests the vehicle was being maintained to an acceptable standard at that point. With a recorded mileage of 52,280 miles over approximately four years, this Transit 350 has been driven at an average of around 13,070 miles per year. This rate of accumulation sits well above the typical annual mileage for a light commercial vehicle of this age, particularly one specified as a Leader trim, suggesting it has likely been used for regular commercial duties rather than occasional light work. Higher annual mileage generally accelerates wear on consumable items such as brake pads, brake discs, tyres, clutch components (if applicable), and drivetrain parts, and places greater demand on the engine, gearbox, and cooling system. The relatively high usage also means that time-based servicing items such as cambelt replacement, if applicable to the mild-hybrid diesel powertrain, and AdBlue system maintenance will be approaching or may have already required attention. For a prospective buyer, the edge wear advisory on the offside front tyre should be the starting point for a thorough physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension bushes, drop links, or coil springs. Pay close attention to steering behaviour, checking for any pulling to one side, vagueness, or vibration through the wheel, all of which can stem from incorrect tracking or worn suspension geometry. Inspect all tyres for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking or perishing from age, and ensure they are of matching makes and tread depths, as the noted advisory implies the previous tyre may have been replaced after the test. The mild-hybrid system itself, whilst generally robust, should be checked for any warning lights on the dashboard, and the 12V battery condition warrants verification given the additional electrical demands placed upon it by the hybrid architecture. Beyond the specific advisory items, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection should include a check of the brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods between uses, and an assessment of the rear braking components and parking brake function, which are common failure areas on commercial vehicles of this type. Examine the underbody and suspension arms for any surface corrosion, paying particular attention to structural integrity around the wheel arches and sills, as commercial vehicles frequently suffer from stone chip damage and subsequent rust development. Verify the service history documentation thoroughly, confirming that oil and filter changes, brake fluid replacement, and coolant servicing have been carried out at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, and check the condition and age of the timing belt or chain if fitted to this powertrain. Finally, given the higher than average mileage, consider a compression test or diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes relating to the diesel particulate filter, Egas recirculation system, and the mild-hybrid electrical components, as these systems are known to require careful maintenance on high-use commercial vehicles.