2003 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · HW03 DLV

The most recent MOT, dated 3 July 2025 at 203,776 miles, passed, but the record paints a picture of a vehicle with a worsening trend in structural and mechanical integrity. The tester flagged multiple corrosion advisories and component wear that were present at the same mileage just hours earlier during a failed attempt, where a detached prop shaft and a tyre with exposed cords were identified. This indicates a pattern of critical faults being rectified just enough to pass, rather than a proactive maintenance regime. The recurring issues, particularly with corrosion and braking components, suggest a gradual decline in overall condition. The mileage pattern is consistent and typical for a 2003 commercial vehicle. Between the July 2023 test at 184,905 miles and the July 2024 test at 194,198 miles, the vehicle covered 9,293 miles. The following year, from July 2024 to July 2025, it added 9,578 miles. This steady accumulation of approximately 9,000 miles per annum confirms regular use, which aligns with the observed wear on consumables and the need for repeated brake system adjustments. There are no anomalous gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection focused on the vehicle's corrosion and suspension. The repeated advisories for corroded front coil springs, corroded brake pipes, and corroded subframe mounting points demand a close examination of the entire underbody and structural sills for advanced rust, particularly given the July 2024 advisory for corrosion on the offside front sill. The braking system requires meticulous scrutiny; the history of imbalanced rear brakes, worn front discs, and multiple corroded brake lines points to a system that has been poorly maintained and may have underlying issues with calipers or the hydraulic system. The July 2025 advisory for play in the central rear differential input bearing and the catastrophic failure of the prop shaft in the earlier test of the same day are significant red flags. A professional inspection of the drivetrain, including the prop shaft, differential, and transmission mounts, is essential before purchase.