2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · FL68 AAX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 23 August 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a clean outcome and a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness. Across the five tests presented, the trend is one of stable maintenance, with four tests passed without any issues and only a single minor defect and advisory in 2024. The absence of recurring advisories relating to suspension, braking, or corrosion suggests that, officially at least, the vehicle has not exhibited any progressive deterioration patterns. For a high-mileage commercial vehicle such as this Ford Transit Custom, a stable MOT record is a reassuring sign that it has been maintained to meet statutory safety standards throughout its recent life, although it is important to remember that the MOT is a point-in-time check rather than a guarantee of future reliability. The recorded mileage of 150,741 miles over an eight-year period equates to an annual average of approximately 18,843 miles, which is notably high and indicative of sustained commercial or fleet use. There are no apparent periods of significant standing or inactivity, and the mileage has clearly accumulated consistently year on year. This level of usage places considerable demands on the powertrain, clutch, braking system, suspension components, and drivetrain, with mechanical wear progressing at a much faster rate than would be seen on a lower-mileage vehicle of equivalent age. Consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and timing belt or chain service intervals will have been reached multiple times, and it is reasonable to assume that major items such as clutches and turbochargators may have been subjected to significant stress. Given the high annual mileage and the predominantly clean MOT record, prospective buyers should place particular emphasis on physical inspections and age-related deterioration that an MOT may not fully capture. The 2024 advisory regarding an offside rear tyre worn on its edge should prompt close inspection of the current set of tyres, including a check for uneven tread wear across the axle which could indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs, all of which are common on heavily used Transits. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks over bumps, pay attention to brake pedal feel and any pulling to one side under braking which could indicate binding calipers or warped discs, and observe the vehicle for any blue smoke from the exhaust that could suggest turbo or piston ring wear. Beyond the items flagged on previous tests, the high working mileage warrants thorough verification of service history, including confirmation of cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals in line with Ford specifications, as well as evidence of regular brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil changes. The van should be raised on a ramp or examined from beneath for any signs of fluid leakage from the engine, gearbox, or differential, and the underside should be checked for corrosion or oil contamination that could mask structural concerns. The 12V battery is a frequent failure point on high-mileage commercial vehicles subject to frequent short journeys and should be load-tested, while all auxiliary electrics, including lighting and the previously flagged registration plate lamp circuit, should be verified as functional. Given the working background of this vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist commercial vehicle technician is strongly advisable to identify any developing issues before commitment.