2021 Ford Transit Custom 300LIMITD Eblue 2.0L Diesel · HW70 AAM

High-intensity usage and significant wear on braking components define the mechanical profile of this Ford Transit Custom, which has transitioned from a failed test in January 2025 to a clean pass in January 2026. The inspection history shows a recurring pattern of brake-related issues, including a dangerous failure for front brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm in thickness and multiple advisories regarding worn discs and thinning pads across both front and rear axles. While the most recent test on 16 January 2026 recorded no defects, the previous year's records indicate a history of approaching legal limits on tyres and parking brake travel, suggesting a vehicle that is frequently operated near the limits of its consumable components. The vehicle has covered 199,701 miles in approximately five years, representing an average annual accumulation of nearly 40,000 miles. This high-mileage usage pattern is characteristic of heavy commercial or long-distance transit work, which places substantial and continuous stress on the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems. Such rapid mileage accumulation means that mechanical components such as bushes, bearings, and dampers are likely to have undergone significant cycles of wear, and the frequency of component replacement for consumables like tyres and brake pads is expected to be higher than a standard domestic vehicle. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system and the drivetrain during a physical inspection and test drive. An advisory from January 2025 noted an offside oil leak from the transmission-drive shaft seal, which, while not described as excessive at the time, warrants a close inspection of the offside drive area for fresh seepage or heavy oil staining. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic clicking or knocking from the offside front area that could indicate drive shaft wear, and feel for any pulsation or judder through the brake pedal, which could signal uneven disc wear or binding calipers following the previous history of worn discs and pads. Further scrutiny should be applied to the parking brake and tyre condition. Given the 2024 advisory regarding limited parking brake lever travel, it is necessary to verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline without excessive lever movement. Additionally, while the 2026 test was clear, the history of tyres being worn on both edges suggests potential alignment issues or suspension geometry wear. Check the current tread depth and look for uneven wear patterns across the front axle, and listen for any knocks or clunks when navigating uneven surfaces, which may indicate that suspension linkages or bushes are nearing the end of their service life due to the high mileage.