2012 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · KM12 OTX

The 2012 Ford Transit shows a worsening maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 6 June 2025 at 209,575 miles revealing an increased number of advisories compared to previous years. While the vehicle passed the test, the tester flagged several deteriorating components including a worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, a worn nearside front suspension arm bush, and a severely deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar linkage dust cover. The presence of an oil leak, which has been noted consistently since at least June 2023, suggests a long-term, slow-seeping issue that has not been addressed. The vehicle has covered 209,575 miles over its 14-year lifespan, averaging approximately 14,970 miles per year. This represents high-intensity commercial use, which aligns with the mechanical wear seen in the records. Mileage accumulation appears consistent and steady, with the 2024 test at 204,397 miles and the 2025 test at 209,575 miles showing an annual interval of roughly 5,000 miles, though the overall lifetime average suggests much higher usage in earlier years. This heavy usage explains the frequent advisories regarding consumable wear and suspension components. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system and front-end suspension. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of pitted and scored brake discs at both the front and rear, alongside front pads wearing thin as of June 2025. The suspension requires immediate attention, specifically the ball joints and bushes which are showing progressive play. You should also investigate the nearside rear hub seal leak and the persistent oil leak to determine if these are minor seeps or signs of impending component failure. Given the high mileage and the age of the vehicle, checking for structural corrosion around the chassis and sills is essential. The transition from minor advisories in 2022 to more complex suspension and seal issues in 2025 indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of more frequent and potentially costly mechanical repairs. Ensure that the recent failure regarding the offside stop lamp was rectified and that the current advisories do not mask deeper mechanical issues.