2006 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · L666 AAS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 12 January 2023, resulted in a pass but was accompanied by four advisories: a non‑excessive oil leak, wear on the rear anti‑roll bar linkage bush, wear on the front lower suspension arm bush and a corroded brake pipe that is covered in grease from the front to the rear, together with a nail lodged in a tyre. The earlier test in December 2021 also recorded a similar oil leak, front and rear anti‑roll bar bush wear and a corroded front brake pipe. The recurrence of the same items across the two inspections suggests a maintenance pattern that is essentially stable – the vehicle is being kept road‑worthy but the underlying causes of these advisories have not yet been fully remedied. At 193 100 mi on a 2006 model the average annual usage works out to roughly 9 600 mi per year, which sits comfortably within the normal range for a vehicle of this age. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme low use that might have allowed components to deteriorate from standing, nor does it reveal any unusually high annual accumulation that would accelerate wear beyond what is typical for a van of this vintage. Consequently, the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension parts is consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular, moderate duty over two decades. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the oil leak noted on both MOTs. Locate the source – whether a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or crankcase vent – and verify that the leak remains non‑excessive under normal operating conditions; any increase in oil loss could lead to low oil level warnings, engine ticking or, in the worst case, bearing wear. The worn anti‑roll bar and front lower arm bushes should be examined for play by applying force to the rear of the vehicle while the front wheels are held steady; any clunk or excessive movement when the steering is turned or when the vehicle is driven over bumps may indicate that the bushes are close to failure and will need replacement. The corroded brake pipe, although still functional, is a potential source of future leaks or reduced braking efficiency; a visual inspection for rust, pitting or moisture inside the pipe and a check for any dampness around the brake lines under the bonnet are advisable, and replacement of the pipe should be considered as part of a near‑term service. The tyre with the nail must be removed from service; the wheel should be inspected for sidewall damage or internal puncture, and the tyre either repaired to a suitable standard or replaced. Beyond the recorded advisories, age‑related checks are essential. Inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components; the presence of a nail suggests the tyres may have been exposed to road debris for some time. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test or a check of the electrolyte level (if applicable) will reveal whether it can still hold a charge, as batteries over twenty years often suffer from sulfation. Examine the cooling system, hoses and rubber seals for hardening, cracks or coolant leaks, and confirm that the engine oil, gearbox oil and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids degrade with time even if mileage is modest. Finally, a thorough visual survey of the chassis for rust, especially around wheel arches, sills and the under‑body, will help ascertain whether the van has been stored in a damp environment, which could predispose it to future corrosion‑related failures.