2021 Ford Transit 350 Leader Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · HT21 YLM

The most recent MOT on 26 August 2026 was a pass, with only minor advisories recorded for a damaged off‑side front windscreen, a deteriorated front registration plate, thin front and rear brake pads and a worn anti‑roll‑bar pin or bush. Earlier in the five‑year history the vehicle failed in July 2025 due to non‑functioning front position lamps and an outline marker, but those faults were rectified and the subsequent test was a pass. Overall the trend is stable – the majority of items are advisory rather than failing, indicating that routine maintenance has kept the vehicle roadworthy, though wear on the braking system and suspension components is now becoming noticeable. At 138,173 miles the Transit has logged roughly 27,600 miles per year, well above the typical 10‑15 k miles for a light commercial vehicle of this age. Such high utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, clutch and engine oil, and it also places greater stress on the transmission and rear axle bearings. The mileage suggests the vehicle has been heavily used for haulage or long‑distance work, so any prospective buyer should expect that major service items may be approaching the end of their service intervals. The thin front and rear brake pads flagged in the latest MOT mean the discs are likely approaching the minimum thickness and could be close to requiring replacement. On a test drive the driver should feel a firm, consistent pedal feel without any pulsation; any squealing, grinding or a soft, spongy pedal would indicate that the pads are already at the limit. The worn anti‑roll‑bar bush can lead to increased body roll and a clunking noise when cornering or traversing uneven road surfaces, so the buyer should listen for any metallic knock from the front suspension and check for excessive lateral movement of the bar when the vehicle is rocked. Both rear tyres were noted as being close to the legal tread limit and worn on the edges, a pattern often caused by mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes; the buyer should inspect the sidewalls for cracking, verify that the tread depth is above 1.6 mm on all tyres, and consider a full alignment and tyre replacement. The damaged off‑side front windscreen and the deteriorating front registration plate are cosmetic but should be remedied promptly to avoid future legal issues, and the non‑functioning position lamps that caused the 2025 failure must be confirmed as operational before purchase. Given the vehicle’s age (2021) and high mileage, a comprehensive physical inspection is essential. Verify that the service book shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes at the manufacturer‑specified intervals, and ask for records of any transmission fluid changes or clutch inspections. Check the 12‑volt battery for signs of sulfation or reduced cranking power, especially if the vehicle has spent periods idle; a load test at a reputable garage will confirm its health. Inspect the under‑body for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle housings and exhaust system, as standing in damp conditions can accelerate rust. Examine all suspension bushings, ball joints and tie‑rod ends for looseness or cracked rubber, and look for any oil or brake fluid leaks around the engine bay and rear axle. During a road test, listen for any abnormal wind‑noise, rattles, or vibration through the steering wheel, and ensure the gearbox shifts smoothly without judder. Addressing the identified brake, tyre and anti‑roll‑bar issues promptly will help maintain the vehicle’s reliability and keep it within legal roadworthiness standards.