2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · HT18 YMU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 September 2024, was passed with a single minor defect – the off‑side front windscreen wiper blade was deemed defective. Earlier tests in 2023 recorded several advisories concerning the condition of the rear and front tyres, while the 2022 and 2021 examinations were clean. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stable; the vehicle has consistently met the legal safety standards, but the tyre advisories indicate that wear is beginning to become a concern and should be monitored closely. With a recorded 60 280 miles on the odometer and an eight‑year age, the vehicle averages roughly 7 500 miles per annum. This figure sits comfortably within the typical usage envelope for a light commercial van of this vintage and suggests that the engine and drivetrain have not been subjected to excessive high‑speed or heavy‑load operation. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as brake pads, clutch components and suspension bushings is likely to be in line with normal calendar‑based degradation rather than accelerated mileage‑driven failure. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set the most detailed attention. The advisories note slight damage, cracking or perishing on both rear outer tyres and early outer‑edge wear on the front tyres. Inspect the sidewalls for any dry‑rot, bulges or cuts, and measure tread depth across the centre and edges – a minimum of 3 mm is required for legal road use, but 4 mm or more is advisable for a commercial van that may carry variable loads. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that changes when the steering wheel is turned, as these can be early signs of uneven tyre wear or mis‑alignment. Replace any tyre that shows sidewall cracking or tread below the safe limit, and consider a full set replacement if the wear pattern is uneven, as this may indicate underlying alignment or suspension issues. The off‑side front wiper blade should be swapped for a new unit, and the remaining blades inspected for stiffness or streaking, especially in wet conditions. Beyond the tyres, a thorough visual and functional check of the suspension components – particularly the front coil springs, shock absorbers and rubber bushings – is prudent, as age‑related corrosion or fatigue can manifest as clunking noises over bumps. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and verify that the pads have sufficient material; any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes is a warning sign of warped discs or uneven wear. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12 V lead‑acid battery should be tested for cranking amperage and checked for any signs of electrolyte leakage or case swelling. Verify that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the manufacturers’ recommended intervals, as time‑based fluid degradation can lead to overheating or component wear even on low‑mileage units. Finally, request the full service book and any receipts for recent work; a well‑documented maintenance history will give confidence that the van has been cared for and will help you anticipate upcoming service items such as timing belt or chain replacement, emission system checks and any corrosion treatment that may be required after years of exposure.