2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · L90 TAC

The defining mechanical story of this 2017 Ford Transit is one of chronic brake and suspension wear, punctuated by two MOT failures and a steady stream of advisories on discs, pads, and steering components. The most recent test on 24 July 2026 was a pass, but it was not without note: the offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover was flagged as severely deteriorated, the nearside front service brake was binding although not excessively, and the high-level stop lamp was inoperative. These items sit on top of a 2025 failure for a significantly worn rear brake disc and an ineffective offside windscreen wiper, plus a much more serious dangerous failure in January 2021 for a badly damaged driver's seatbelt. Across the recorded tests there is a consistent thread of front and rear brake disc wear, brake pad thinning, and front suspension bush wear, suggesting these areas have been under sustained stress rather than being one-off observations. The recorded mileage of 153,258 miles over roughly nine years equates to an annual accumulation of around 17,029 miles, which is at the higher end for a commercial vehicle of this age and is consistent with the type of component wear seen on the MOT record. There is a notable gap in testing between January 2021 and June 2025, during which the vehicle appears not to have been presented for an MOT, potentially reflecting a period off the road, a change of keeper, or simply a lapse in testing compliance; the mileage progression across the recorded tests cannot be verified for that interval, which means clutch, gearbox, turbo, and rear suspension wear in particular cannot be reliably assessed from the paper trail alone. The reappearance in mid-2025 with a rear brake disc worn beyond limits and worn wipers suggests the vehicle may have been returned to service with deferred maintenance. For a prospective buyer, the brake system should be the first priority on inspection. The 2026 advisory of a binding nearside front service brake warrants particular attention: on a test drive, listen for any dragging or grinding from the front nearside wheel when moving off from cold, feel for the vehicle pulling to one side under light braking, and check for a wheel that runs noticeably hotter than the opposite side after a short drive. The previously flagged rear brake disc wear, pitted and scored front and rear discs, and thinning pads on both axles mean a thorough visual inspection of pad thickness, disc surface condition, and any lip on the disc edges is essential, and budget for a full brake refresh including discs and pads should be assumed until proven otherwise. The 2021 dangerous seatbelt failure also warrants physically checking that the driver's belt retracts smoothly, locks under a sharp tug, and shows no fraying or stitching damage, as seatbelt failures of that nature have occasionally recurred on reused mounting points. Underneath the vehicle, the front suspension needs careful scrutiny given the 2026 minor for a deteriorated ball joint dust cover and the 2020 advisories for worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed bumps, rough surfaces, and when turning at low speed, and check for any wandering or vagueness in the steering that could indicate worn linkages or deteriorated bushes. The recurring power steering seepage from the rack noted in 2021 should be re-examined for fresh residue around the rack boots, inner tie rod ends, and any dampness on the steering components visible from beneath. The 2022 advisory of corroded brake pipes covered in grease is worth a close look with a torch, as concealed corrosion on brake lines is a recurring failure point on high-mileage Transits and can lead to a future dangerous defect if the protective coating has been masking deeper pitting. Finally, verify the engine oil leak noted in early 2022 has not worsened, inspect both rear tyres for sidewall cracking as previously flagged, and confirm the high-level stop lamp and wiper function are operational before purchase.