2003 Fiat Ducato Ducato 2.0L Diesel · FN03 AZC

The most recent MOT, passed on 31 March 2026 at 79,798 miles, is only just over two months old and confirms a broadly stable, though not fault-free, condition. The maintenance trend is one of managed deterioration rather than acute failure. Recurring minor advisories for oil leaks and non-obligatory stop lamps suggest a vehicle kept running without perfectionist upkeep. Crucially, the 2026 test shows a significant improvement in structural integrity compared to previous years, with the severe corrosion failures of earlier tests absent, though corrosion advisories on both front coil springs have now emerged as a new concern. At roughly 3,469 miles per year, the 79,798 recorded miles is exceptionally low for a 2003 vehicle. The MOT record supports this, showing a modest 1,418 miles covered between the March 2025 and March 2026 tests. This pattern indicates light, likely commercial or occasional use, with no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation or suspicious gaps in the record. The low annual mileage may have contributed to the slow progression of some faults but can also mask long periods of inactivity, which itself can accelerate certain types of corrosion and component seizure. Prospective buyers must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural condition, particularly the front end. The 2024 and 2025 failure records reveal a history of serious corrosion in critical load-bearing areas, including the front radiator support, inner steps, sills, inner wings, and near the gearbox mount. While the 2026 pass indicates these specific points were repaired, the new advisories for corroded front coil springs suggest ongoing exposure to moisture and potential underseal breakdown. A physical check for the quality and completeness of any welding repairs, and the condition of the front suspension mounting points, is essential. The braking system demands similar scrutiny. The history shows recurring issues: binding rear brakes in 2024, and worn, pitted, or corroding front brake discs flagged in both 2024 and 2025. This pattern points to a system that has seen hard use or neglect, possibly exacerbated by the vehicle's low-mileage, stop-start operation. A test drive should assess brake feel, pulling, and judder, while a visual inspection should check disc thickness and condition, caliper operation, and the integrity of all brake lines, especially given the noted corrosion in adjacent structural areas. The persistent minor oil leak, while not yet a failure, warrants investigation for its source and potential to worsen.