2011 Iveco Daily 35C18 MWB 3.0L Diesel · FJ11 DTF

A serious structural and brake-related deterioration has emerged on this Iveco Daily, culminating in a 30 October 2024 MOT failure with two dangerous defects alongside significant advisories. The dangerous items are particularly concerning: a front brake disc assessed as seriously weakened, which on a heavy commercial platform of this weight rating presents a substantial retardation risk under load, and an offside rear leaf spring anchor bracket exhibiting visible relative movement, a condition that compromises rear axle location, load distribution, and ride stability. Compounding this, the same test recorded a defective front exhaust mounting and a recurring oil leak. The earlier 2023 cycle shows this trajectory was already forming, with dangerously low rear inner tyre tread on both sides and a major integrity failure of the offside front inner wing, where corrosion had holed through the panel to the extent that body rigidity was significantly reduced. The presence of a structural integrity failure on a load-bearing commercial vehicle is a material safety concern and warrants close physical inspection of the surrounding panels, sills, and crossmembers for the spread of similar corrosion. Recorded mileage stands at 287,487 miles across roughly fifteen years, equating to an annual accumulation of approximately 19,166 miles. For a commercial vehicle of this class, this is a moderately high but not unusual working mileage, consistent with regular daily use rather than long stationary periods. There are no multi-year gaps in the MOT testing record to suggest prolonged lay-ups that would introduce issues such as seized brakes or deteriorated fuel systems from disuse. The continuity of testing combined with the sustained mileage indicates the vehicle has been in near-constant service, which mechanically translates to higher wear accumulation on drivetrain components, suspension bushes, steering linkages, and braking hardware, precisely the systems now beginning to flag on test. For any prospective purchase, the structural corrosion recorded on the inner wing is the single most important physical area to examine. Lift the bonnet and inspect the inner wings, strut tops, bulkhead, and the base of the A-pillars for bubbling, perforation, and previous welding repairs, as corrosion of this nature on commercial Ivecos frequently progresses from the inner panels outward, often accompanied by similar degradation on sills, jacking points, and the rear chassis members. With the leaf spring anchor bracket defect on record, the rear suspension should be examined on a ramp for movement at the front and rear eyes, cracked or stretched U-bolts, and any fresh repair evidence; on the road, expect to feel vagueness or wandering from the rear axle over bumps and a pronounced clonking on uneven surfaces. The brake disc failure and the recurring rear brake pad advisory both point to a braking system that has been worked hard in service, so a test drive should include several firm stops from speed to check for pedal pulsation indicating disc runout, any pulling to one side suggesting a binding caliper, and a spongy or low pedal that could indicate a brake fluid leak or hydraulic compromise. Finally, the persistent oil leak advisory across four consecutive tests suggests an unresolved seepage that should be identified before purchase. Common origins on this model include the sump gasket, timing case area, and injector pump seals, and the leak source should be traced to determine whether it is a simple gasket replacement or indicative of higher-mileage wear. On start-up from cold, listen for any timing chain rattle and check the exhaust smoke for excessive blue tint that would confirm internal engine wear consistent with the recorded mileage. The defective front exhaust mounting noted in 2024 should be inspected for exhaust canister security, and a check underneath should confirm no catalytic converter or DPF tampering given the commercial emissions class of this vehicle. Given the dangerous defects and the structural failure recorded within the last two test cycles, this vehicle warrants a thorough independent pre-purchase inspection by a commercial vehicle specialist before any commitment, and a realistic budget should be set aside for rear suspension overhaul, brake disc replacement on the front axle, and likely corrosion remediation to the front inner structure.