2004 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · LE04 CTK

The most recent DVSA examination on 30 May 2022 resulted in a pass, with only minor items recorded against the windscreen wiper blades, alongside advisories for slight play in both front wheel bearings. Looking back through the recorded history, the vehicle has alternated between clean passes and minor advisories, with the only failures being for easily corrected lighting and washer related items that were subsequently remedied. There is no record of structural corrosion, brake, tyre, suspension, or exhaust failures at any point, and no advisories relating to wear related items beyond the persistent front wheel bearing observation. Taken as a whole, the maintenance trend is broadly stable, with the early failures representing routine serviceable defects rather than symptoms of neglect, and the latest result suggests no progressive deterioration between tests. The recorded mileage of 129,444 miles over approximately 22 years equates to an average of around 5,884 miles per year, which is notably low for a commercial vehicle of this type. Such light annual usage, or extended periods of standing, is not unusual for a Transit of this vintage and could indicate either a second vehicle, light commercial use, or significant periods of inactivity. While lower mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it does increase the risk of deterioration through standing rather than use, particularly affecting braking components, fluid condition, and rubber and electrical items. The 2020 test entry, where the same advisory was raised during a fail and a pass on the same day, suggests a relatively inactive period prior to that test, and a further two year gap before the 2022 pass should also be borne in mind. Given the 22 year age of this vehicle regardless of its low mileage, particular attention should be paid to age related deterioration rather than wear related items. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber compounds degrade over time even on lightly used vehicles, and any tyres older than six years should be regarded as suspect regardless of tread depth. Brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion from standing, and a seized caliper or heavily corroded disc surface will manifest as brake binding, pulling to one side under braking, or a juddering sensation through the pedal. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as batteries that have stood discharged or underused for long periods are likely to be at or near the end of their service life. The cooling system, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all degrade with calendar age and should be renewed on a time based schedule regardless of mileage, so verify that records exist for these services. The front wheel bearing advisories noted in 2020 and 2022 indicate a developing issue; on a test drive, listen for a low humming or rumbling noise from the front wheels that changes with vehicle speed and may alter on cornering, which is characteristic of worn wheel bearings. Inspect the underside carefully for fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, and rear differential, and check for any corrosion around structural members, sills, and the load floor. Finally, confirm the service book history including timing belt replacement, as the 2004 Transit diesel would be well past its original timing belt interval by now.