2015 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · HR12 AGE

The most recent MOT test on May 2, 2025, confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy but with critical consumable wear that demands immediate attention. The trend over the past two years is concerning: the May 2025 test alone identified rear brake pads at critical thickness and both rear tyres dangerously close to the legal limit, suggesting basic upkeep has been neglected. The December 2023 failure revealed a cascade of suspension and wheel bearing failures, including excessively worn lower arm bushes, a seized nearside front wheel bearing, and deteriorated ball joint dust covers—all indicative of prolonged under-maintenance. While the January 2024 and October 2022 tests flagged early-stage suspension wear, the absence of corrective action allowed these issues to escalate. The vehicle’s current status is unstable, with recurring faults in suspension components and brakes pointing to a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than isolated incidents. The recorded mileage of 158,206 miles at the last test reflects an aggressive usage pattern, averaging nearly 14,400 miles annually—well above the typical 10,000-mile benchmark for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests varies significantly: 11,780 miles between October 2022 and December 2023, followed by a 21,524-mile interval until May 2025, suggesting the vehicle may have been driven extensively between services. The December 2023 failure occurred just 1,514 miles after the October 2022 pass, yet critical suspension and wheel bearing faults were already present, reinforcing the suspicion of prolonged neglect rather than sudden failure. The absence of a test between December 2023 and January 2024 further raises questions about whether the vehicle was off the road temporarily or driven unsafely during that period. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension and wheel bearings, as the December 2023 failure highlighted severe degradation in lower arm bushes, ball joint dust covers, and a seized wheel bearing—components that, once compromised, accelerate further deterioration. The rear brakes, already at critical pad thickness in May 2025, should be inspected for uneven wear or binding calipers, while the rear tyres, worn close to the legal limit, may exhibit uneven tread or edge wear indicative of alignment issues. The front suspension, flagged in both 2022 and 2023 for worn bushes and deteriorated dust covers, warrants close examination for excessive play in the lower arms or clunking noises during suspension movement. Structural integrity should also be assessed, particularly around the wheel arches and subframe, as the high mileage and deferred maintenance increase the risk of corrosion or fatigue in load-bearing areas.