2012 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · KM12 OTP

This Ford Transit shows a deteriorating maintenance trend, as evidenced by the recurring failures and a growing list of advisories in the most recent October 2025 test. While the vehicle passed its last inspection at 186,871 miles, the presence of multiple mechanical defects, including a damaged engine mounting and a wheel bearing with play, indicates that the vehicle is struggling to maintain basic roadworthiness. The transition from a clean pass in November 2024 to a failure and subsequent advisory-heavy pass in October 2025 suggests that the mechanical condition is declining as the vehicle ages. The vehicle has covered 186,871 miles over fourteen years, averaging approximately 13,348 miles annually. This consistent, high-intensity usage pattern is typical for a commercial vehicle, but the MOT history reveals that the owner has increasingly relied on minimal repairs to secure a pass rather than proactive maintenance. The gap between the 2024 failure and the subsequent pass was only one month, implying that the vehicle was likely parked or underwent only the bare minimum work required to meet legal standards, rather than addressing the underlying mechanical fatigue. A prospective buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension and braking system. The history of recurring anti-roll bar linkage wear, wheel bearing play, and brake disc pitting suggests that the front end is under significant stress and likely requires a comprehensive overhaul of bushes and bearings. You should also scrutinise the brake pipes, which were flagged for being greased in 2023, as this often masks corrosion rather than resolving it. Given the engine management light failure in 2024 and the current engine mounting damage, a diagnostic scan of the engine control unit is essential to ensure there are no hidden electronic faults or deep-seated mechanical issues that could lead to costly repairs shortly after purchase.