2016 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · GP62 POP

The Fiat Ducato’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-28 confirms it passed with a clean bill of health, though the tester noted the offside rear parking brake just met the minimum standard—a detail that warrants immediate verification. This follows a pattern of intermittent parking brake failures and inefficiencies over the past three tests, with the 2024 and 2023 failures specifically citing both lever adjustment and insufficient holding force. While the 2025 pass suggests corrective action was taken, the recurring nature of these faults indicates the system has not been reliably resolved, and the offside rear brake’s marginal performance could signal underlying wear in the cable or actuator. The suspension also shows signs of neglect, with the 2024 test recording oil misting on the near-side front shock absorber—a condition that, if unaddressed, can lead to premature failure and compromised ride control. The vehicle’s mileage progression reveals unusually high annual usage, averaging nearly 18,000 miles per year over the past decade, which is above typical expectations for a commercial or light-goods vehicle of this age. This accelerated wear is evident in the frequent MOT intervals, with tests occurring roughly every 18,000–20,000 miles rather than the standard 12-month cycle. Notably, there is a 12-month gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests, during which the mileage jumped from 135,456 to 156,865—a 21,409-mile increase in under a year. While this could reflect consistent heavy use, it also raises questions about whether intermediate maintenance was performed, particularly for high-wear components like brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the parking brake system, including the lever adjustment, cable tension, and efficiency of both front and rear calipers or drums. The 2024 oil misting on the near-side front shock absorber suggests potential internal damage, so the condition of all four dampers should be checked for leaks, resistance, and rebound performance. Given the high mileage, the suspension bushes and coil springs should also be examined for wear or corrosion, as should the brake discs and pads for uneven wear or glazing. Finally, the structural integrity of the chassis and body panels—particularly around wheel arches and sills—must be assessed for rust or distortion, as prolonged heavy use increases the risk of hidden corrosion compromising load-bearing areas.