2021 Ford Transit Custom 280LIMITD Eblue 2.0L Diesel · FX21 LHR

The vehicle presents a generally sound mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 15 May 2026 at 82,777 miles flagged two oil leaks and a tyre wear advisory that warrant attention. Across the three recorded tests, the trend is one of gradual deterioration rather than a clean bill of health holding steady. The first two certificates in March 2024 and March 2025 were entirely clean, yet the 2026 entry shows new fluid seepage and uneven front tyre wear, suggesting the last year of use has introduced minor but notable wear items that a previous owner has not yet remedied. At roughly 16,555 miles per year, this Transit Custom sits well above the typical annual mileage for a light commercial vehicle of its age. The interval between the March 2025 and May 2026 tests alone accounts for 14,209 miles in just over twelve months, a pace that accelerates wear on drivetrain seals, tyres, and braking components. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests shows a more moderate 16,061-mile increase over a full year, confirming that the most recent period has been the hardest on the vehicle. High utilisation at this rate is not inherently damaging if servicing has kept pace, but the fresh advisories suggest maintenance may not have matched the workload. The offside front inner driveshaft seal and lower crankshaft main seal are both described as not excessive, indicating seepage rather than active dripping. Even so, these gaskets and seals degrade faster under sustained high-mileage use, and a buyer should verify whether the engine oil level is topped up regularly and whether any residue has spread to the bellhousing or exhaust heat shields. The front tyre advisory for both centre treads wearing close to the legal limit points to possible wheel alignment drift or under-inflation over the last 14,000 miles. A physical inspection should check the inner and outer shoulders for feathering, and confirm that the rear tyres and brake pads have not been neglected in favour of the more visible front end. Beyond the flagged items, the vehicle's structural integrity and underbody condition deserve close scrutiny given the mileage load. A thorough inspection of the suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers for sag or cracking is advisable, as is a check of the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting points. Brake disc thickness and caliper slider function should be verified, particularly if the van has spent much of its life carrying weight or towing. The clean record prior to May 2026 is encouraging, but the fresh advisories confirm this Transit has worked hard and now sits at a point where attentive ownership and a careful pre-purchase inspection will determine whether it remains a reliable tool or becomes a source of recurring repair costs.