2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · LB17 AAU

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 27 April 2026, resulted in a failure on the basis of an insufficient windscreen‑washer supply, while the remainder of the examination passed with a series of advisories covering front and rear brake discs, front suspension arm bushes and tyre tread depth. Over the past two years the pattern has shifted from a clean pass in January 2024 to recurring brake and suspension advisories and, most recently, a outright failure, indicating a maintenance trend that is clearly worsening rather than stabilising. At nine years old the Transit has accumulated 124 008 miles, which works out to roughly 13 800 miles per annum – a usage rate well above the average for a light commercial vehicle of this age. Such mileage suggests that the drivetrain, braking system and suspension components have been subjected to sustained load cycles and will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives. The relatively high annual mileage also raises the likelihood of accelerated tyre wear, bearing fatigue and potential corrosion in any areas that may have been left standing for periods between jobs. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. The front brake disc has been flagged as pitted and scored on three consecutive MOTs and the rear disc is already described as worn; combined with thin front pads, the vehicle is likely to require disc resurfacing or replacement and new pads within the next few thousand miles. On a test drive listen for any pulsation or shudder through the pedal, and feel for a spongy or low‑level pedal that may indicate uneven disc wear or caliper binding. Inspect the discs for deep scoring, rust spots or cracking, and verify that the pads have sufficient remaining thickness. The front suspension arm pins and wishbone bushes have been noted as worn but not yet excessive; a thorough road‑feel check for clunking, especially when negotiating bumps or applying steering input, will reveal whether the bushes have progressed to a point where they need replacement. Tyre tread on the off‑side front wheel is already close to the legal limit and showing edge wear – examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot and uneven wear patterns that could point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. Beyond the recurring defects, the buyer should confirm that the windscreen‑washer system is fully functional, as a failed pump can compromise visibility in wet weather. Verify that the nearside registration‑plate lamp operates correctly, and check the condition of the battery, especially given the vehicle’s age; a load test or a check of the electrolyte level (if applicable) will reveal any impending failure. Because the van has been used heavily, it is prudent to inspect the chassis for any signs of corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and underbody mounts, and to ensure that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – have been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s time‑based service intervals rather than mileage alone. A full service history, with stamps for oil changes, filter replacements and any major component overhauls, will provide additional confidence in the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.