2019 Ford Transit 350 Leader Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · FP69 BVR

The most recent MOT test on 18 May 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, which represents a positive outcome following a failure just two days earlier. That earlier failure, however, contained several significant items, including a Dangerous defect for nearside rear inner tyre tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum, two Major defects covering the front windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively, a Major defect for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, and a Major defect for an offside rear fog lamp not emitting a steady red light. Reviewing the trajectory across the available history, the 2022 and 2023 tests were clean aside from a single minor tyre advisory, the 2024 test recorded no defects, and the 2025 test flagged a nearside rear inner tyre worn close to the legal limit. The clustering of defects in mid 2026 suggests either a period of deferred maintenance or a vehicle that had stood for some time before being prepared for test, rather than a pattern of chronic mechanical deterioration. The fact that all items were addressed and a clean pass was obtained shortly afterwards indicates the vehicle can be brought to a satisfactory standard, but a buyer should be alert to whether the corrective work was thorough or merely a short term rectification. With 63,023 miles recorded over approximately seven years, this Transit has covered roughly 9,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a commercial vehicle of this type, perhaps slightly below average for a working van. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears consistent and gradual, with no obvious gaps that would suggest long periods of standing or, conversely, any sudden accumulation that might indicate heavy commercial use. Mileage of this nature tends to produce steady wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutch components and suspension bushes, while limiting the extremes of corrosion or perishing sometimes seen on very low mileage vans, or the accelerated component fatigue associated with high mileage working vehicles. Overall, the usage profile points to a moderately worked commercial vehicle that should not have suffered undue calendar based degradation but may well be due for replacement of wear items that scale with distance rather than time. For a prospective buyer, the recurring appearance of the nearside rear inner tyre in both the 2022 advisory and the 2025 advisory, culminating in the 2026 Dangerous failure, warrants particular attention. This pattern suggests either a tracking or suspension geometry issue on the rear axle, or a consistent loading characteristic that is causing uneven or accelerated wear on that corner. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed humps and potholes, and check the rear axle for worn leaf spring bushes, sagging springs, or perished shock absorbers. Inspect all four tyres carefully for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking from age given the seven year production span, and verify that any replacement tyres are of matching size and load rating suitable for the Transit 350 platform. It would also be prudent to check the spare tyre, as commercial vans frequently carry heavily aged or incorrectly inflated spares that have been forgotten. Given the engine MIL illumination flagged at the 2026 failure, it is worth ensuring that any underlying fault has been properly diagnosed and cleared via a reputable diagnostic tool rather than simply having the warning lamp bulb removed or suppressed. Request evidence that the fault codes have been read, rectified, and that the lamp now functions correctly, as an unresolved engine management issue could indicate intermittent sensor failure, DPF concerns common to EcoBlue diesel engines, or an EGR related problem. The failed front wiper components may simply have been perished wiper blades or a faulty motor, but verify their operation across both speeds and the intermittent setting, and inspect the wiper linkage for wear. Finally, given the age and mileage, confirm the timing belt or cam belt service interval status if applicable to this engine variant, check the condition and age of the 12 volt battery, ensure brake fluid has been changed within the last two years in line with calendar based recommendations, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, and verify a full service history with stamps present in the service book to substantiate the modest annual mileage and overall mechanical care.