2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · GU68 AAO

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 29 August 2025, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and suggests a reactive approach to vehicle care. While the latest certificate was achieved, the presence of multiple advisories following a history of dangerous tyre failures and binding brakes indicates that critical wear items are often left until they reach a legal limit or failure point rather than being replaced proactively. This pattern suggests a lack of preventative maintenance, meaning the buyer should anticipate immediate expenditure on consumables. The recorded mileage of 47,758 miles is exceptionally low for an eight year old Ford Transit Custom, averaging approximately 5,970 miles per year. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, it frequently introduces risks associated with vehicle stagnation. In commercial vehicles, low usage often correlates with short-trip cycles or extended periods of standing, both of which can lead to accelerated degradation of batteries, the accumulation of carbon deposits in the engine, and the seizing of braking components. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the front suspension and braking system. The most recent advisories regarding oil misting on both front shock absorbers indicate that the internal seals are failing; during a test drive, listen for suspension clunks over bumps and observe if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing. Furthermore, the combination of a low brake master cylinder level and a previous history of binding brakes is a red flag. You should check for uneven brake disc wear or a spongy pedal feel, and ensure the wheels do not remain hot to the touch after a drive, which would indicate that the calipers are still binding. Given the low annual mileage and the history of neglected tyres, a physical inspection of all tyre sidewalls is essential to check for perishing or age-related cracking, regardless of the remaining tread depth. It is also critical to verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other vital fluids have been changed based on calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, as stagnant fluids lose their lubricating properties. Finally, check the 12V battery health and inspect the underbody for surface corrosion that may have developed during periods of inactivity.