2006 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · FP06 WRD

The most recent MOT test for this 2006 Ford Transit passed on 02 October 2025, following a failure due to a nearside front tyre being below the legal tread depth. While the vehicle is currently compliant, the overall maintenance trend is concerning and indicates a pattern of progressive deterioration rather than proactive upkeep. The history shows recurring issues with oil leaks, steering rack play, and suspension wear that have persisted across multiple years. Most critically, the vehicle has a history of significant structural corrosion, including a major failure in 2022 regarding the nearside front integral body structure. Although the most recent test did not flag a structural failure, the advisory noting that the entire underside is corroded suggests that the vehicle's structural integrity is under constant threat and requires close monitoring. With 171,478 miles recorded over approximately twenty years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,500 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a commercial van of this age, suggesting it has not been excessively overworked but has also not been sitting idle for long periods, which helps mitigate some forms of age-related perishing. However, the mileage is significant enough that mechanical components such as the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems are well into their wear cycles. The combination of moderate mileage and a history of multiple oil leaks, including from the gearbox, means the vehicle has likely undergone significant thermal cycling and component fatigue, which can exacerbate the effects of the documented corrosion. A prospective buyer must exercise extreme caution regarding the documented underside and exhaust corrosion. During a test drive, listen closely for any metallic knocking or clunking from the front end, as the offside front suspension arm ball joint was recently noted to have play, and the suspension bushes have been a recurring advisory for several years. Any unevenness in steering or a wandering sensation at speed may indicate that the previously noted play in the steering rack inner joints has worsened. Furthermore, the presence of ongoing oil leaks from both the engine and the gearbox warrants a thorough inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage for fresh seepage. You should check for any signs of excessive smoke from the exhaust, which could indicate that the corroded exhaust system or internal engine seals are failing further. Before completing a purchase, it is imperative to inspect the vehicle for signs of advanced structural rot that may not have triggered a failure in the most recent test. Check the sills, chassis rails, and mounting points for bubbling paint or heavy scale, as the 2022 structural failure indicates a high risk of progressive decay. Examine the tyres for uneven wear patterns, which would confirm existing suspension or steering geometry issues, and check the tread depth on all tyres to ensure they meet legal standards. Given the history of oil and gearbox leaks, verify the service history to ensure that fluid levels and quality have been maintained despite these leaks. Finally, ensure that the sliding door mechanism and all electrical components, such as the registration plate lamp which has been a frequent minor defect, are fully operational.