2009 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · FP09 TFF

A clean, consecutive run of pass certificates with no advisories recorded across the most recent three tests on file, culminating in a pass on 04 June 2025, gives this 2009 Ford Transit an apparently tidy roadworthiness history on paper. The single failure recorded, dated 16 December 2022, carries no logged defects, which suggests the issue was either rectified at the time of test, fell outside the scope of recorded defect categories, or was an item the inspector declined to formally log. The absence of any advisory entries over four consecutive tests is unusual for a commercial vehicle of this age and mileage, particularly one that has seen substantial working life, and a prospective buyer should treat the spotless advisory record with cautious optimism rather than as proof of mechanical perfection, given that advisories are at the examiner's discretion. Against an age of roughly seventeen years, the recorded 163,393 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 9,611 miles, which sits comfortably within typical parameters for a working van of this vintage. There are no conspicuous gaps in the annual testing pattern that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, nor is there evidence of rapid mileage escalation between tests that might indicate a particularly arduous recent operational history such as towing, heavy load work, or long-distance commercial mileage. That said, the relatively modest annual figure for a Transit could equally reflect a mix of moderate commercial use interspersed with periods of inactivity, both of which carry their own considerations for a vehicle of this age, particularly around seized brakes, dried rubber bushes, and stale drivetrain fluids. With no recorded advisories to anchor a component-specific inspection, the buyer should focus their attention on the areas most commonly responsible for failure and rejection on high-mileage Transits of this generation. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, specifically the anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, and coil springs, which are known wear items and can present as knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces or on full lock. The rear leaf spring assemblies and their mounting bushes should also be inspected for cracked or sagging leaves, as load carrying over the years will have taken a cumulative toll even if annual mileage has been moderate. A thorough test drive should include firm brake applications from moderate speed to check for pulling, vibration through the steering wheel, or any sense of binding, as front discs and pads on Transits of this age and mileage are typically due for replacement regardless of MOT outcome. The steering should be assessed for play or vagueness, with attention paid to any clunks when turning at low speed, which can indicate worn track rod ends or power steering rack wear. Finally, the underside should be examined on a ramp for the early signs of corrosion on the brake lines, fuel lines, and chassis outriggers, as structural rust is a frequent reason for late-life Transit failures, and the engine bay and undertray should be checked for any signs of oil misting or active leaks from the cam cover, sump, or power steering pipes, all of which are age-related concerns consistent with a working van approaching its eighteenth year.