2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · FL68 AAV

The 2026 MOT was ultimately issued as a pass certificate, though the same day's test initially recorded a fail on headlamp aim, classified as a PR (Pass after Rectification) defect, meaning the issue was identified and rectified within the testing station before the pass certificate was issued. Reviewing the recent MOT trend across 2024 and 2025, there is a clear and worsening pattern relating to the braking system. In 2024 the vehicle carried advisories concerning rear inner brake pad wear, multiple brake pipe corrosion points across the front and rear, and a slight seepage from the power steering pipe or hose. By the 2025 test, the brake pad and brake pipe advisories remained, joined by an additional advisory concerning wear, pitting, or scoring on the rear inner brake disc. The recurrence of these braking system advisories across consecutive tests suggests that the underlying wear and corrosion issues have not been addressed and are progressing, which is a notable concern for any prospective buyer evaluating mechanical integrity. With a recorded mileage of 137,743 miles over an eight-year service life, this Transit Custom is accruing roughly 17,200 miles per annum, which sits considerably above the average mileage for a vehicle of this age and indicates sustained commercial or heavy-duty use. This level of annual mileage accelerates wear on major mechanical consumables including suspension components, clutches, dual-mass flywheels (where applicable), braking hardware, and driveline items. Such usage is consistent with the observed brake and steering component advisories, and the buyer should anticipate that other wear-related items such as front brake discs and pads, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and wheel bearings may be approaching or already at the threshold of requiring replacement. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT mileage history that would suggest extended periods of standing, meaning corrosion from inactivity is less likely to be a primary concern than mechanical wear from sustained use. The recurring advisories regarding brake pipe corrosion, grease contamination, and wear across the front and rear circuits warrant close physical inspection beneath the vehicle. The buyer should arrange for the vehicle to be raised on a ramp to allow visual examination of all brake lines for any surface corrosion, flaking, or weeping, particularly along the underside of the floorpan and within the wheel arch areas. On a test drive, any sponginess, excessive pedal travel, brake shudder under heavy application, or pulling to one side under braking would indicate that further remedial work is required. The rear inner brake disc wear and pad thinning advisories flagged in both 2024 and 2025 suggest the discs are likely to require machining or replacement alongside a new set of rear pads, and the buyer should budget accordingly. The power steering pipe seepage recorded in 2024 should be monitored closely for any worsening fluid loss, whining from the pump on full lock, or visible ATF residue on the steering components. Beyond the documented MOT items, given the high commercial-style usage profile, the buyer should commission a thorough inspection of the front brake discs and pads, as the advisories only cover the rear axle. All suspension bushes, drop links, top mounts, and shock absorbers should be checked for play, perishing, or fluid leakage. A manual gearbox equipped van should have the dual-mass flywheel assessed for rattle on idle and clutch slip under load. Tyres should be examined not only for tread depth but also for even shoulder wear, which would point to tracking or suspension geometry issues. Given the age of the vehicle, the 12V battery should be load-tested as original units are prone to degradation, and the cambelt or timing chain service interval should be verified against the service book, along with evidence of recent replacement. Finally, the timing of the headlamp aim defect on the most recent test is a reminder to confirm that both headlamp adjusters operate correctly and that the lenses are not heavily oxidised, as poor forward lighting is a common MOT failure point on high-mileage commercial vehicles.