2022 Ford Transit 350 Leader Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · LB71 UBL

With two failures recorded within twelve months and advisory entries on both rear tyres across successive tests, the mechanical narrative for this 2022 Transit is one of a working vehicle showing isolated but recurring electrical, drivetrain and tyre-related defects rather than a clean roadworthiness history. The most recent examination on 16 January 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, immediately following a same-day failure which was purely an electrical cluster affecting the registration plate lamp, offside position lamp and both rear direction indicators exhibiting incorrect colour. Whilst the lighting issues were straightforward and rectified on the day of test, the earlier failure from 20 January 2025 was more mechanically significant, recording a split constant velocity boot on the offside front outer drive shaft joint, alongside another tyre advisory on the same offside rear. The pattern points towards consumable wear and electrical maintenance items rather than structural corrosion or suspension deterioration, but the buyer should not regard the pass certificate alone as a clearance of the underlying issues. At 139,647 miles against a registration consistent with a 2022 build, this Transit has covered approximately 34,900 miles per year, which is at the higher end of expectations for a commercial vehicle of this age and well above typical private-car accumulation. Continuous heavy mileage of this nature accelerates wear on braking components, clutch and gearbox mountings, suspension bushes, dampers and anti-roll bar linkages, as well as increasing the likelihood of oil weepage from engine and gearbox seals. The absence of any extended gaps between test dates suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up, which is mechanically beneficial in avoiding standing-start deterioration of components such as brake discs and the diesel emissions system, but it does mean the recorded mileage should be considered an honest reflection of operational use rather than an artificially elevated figure. From a buyer inspection standpoint, particular attention should be paid to the offside front drive shaft area where the constant velocity boot split was recorded, as a compromised gaiter that has subsequently been replaced can allow grease loss and contamination of the joint itself. Inspect the inner and outer CV boots visually for fresh grease deposits, splits in the rubber and torn retaining clips, and during a test drive listen for a rhythmic clicking that changes with steering angle, particularly on full lock. The offside rear tyre has now been flagged on three consecutive tests for wear, edge damage and perishing, so confirm the fitment date and condition of the current rear tyres and check that the wheels are not showing uneven shoulder wear, which could indicate rear axle misalignment, weak dampers or worn suspension bushes. Examine the offside rear tyre in particular for cracking in the sidewall and uneven inner-edge wear. A road test should also focus on the lighting system given the cluster of defects recorded in January 2026. Confirm that the registration plate lamp illuminates together with the sidelamps and that all four direction indicators display amber rather than any discoloured output, as incorrect colour on rear indicators often points to failed LED modules or bulb holder corrosion on these later Transits. Listen for any clonking from the front drivetrain on tight manoeuvres, feel for vibration through the steering wheel at speed which could indicate drive shaft imbalance following the gaiter repair, and check for any pulling under braking which on a high-mileage Transit often relates to binding calipers or worn front discs. Finally, with this mileage it is prudent to inspect the underside for oil residue around the engine sump, turbo oil feed pipes and rear differential, and to verify the condition of the brake lines and flexible hoses for any corrosion or weeping before committing to purchase.