2013 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · LG63 VTJ

The 2013 Ford Transit holds a valid MOT pass dated 25 November 2025 at 208,840 miles, yet the maintenance trend is best described as borderline rather than reassuring. The most recent test was a retest following a failure on the same day, where multiple electrical and structural defects were flagged. While the tester ultimately issued a pass, the record shows a vehicle that is being kept at the very edge of the legal standard rather than proactively maintained. Recurring advisories around brake pipe corrosion, worn suspension bushes, and persistent oil seepage suggest long-standing issues that are being managed just enough to pass rather than properly resolved. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story of sustained heavy commercial use. The vehicle has covered approximately 208,840 miles over roughly thirteen years, averaging around 16,000 miles annually. The gap between the November 2024 test at 197,867 miles and the November 2025 test at 208,840 miles confirms nearly 11,000 miles were added in a single year, indicating the van is still being worked hard. There are no notable mileage gaps suggesting long periods of inactivity, which means wear on drivetrain, braking, and suspension components is consistent with the recorded figures rather than being artificially suppressed by low use. A buyer should pay close attention to the front and rear brake pipe condition, as corrosion covered in grease or other material has appeared in multiple consecutive tests dating back to December 2023. This is a recurring defect that implies ongoing exposure to road salt and moisture without proper underbody protection. The offside outer sill corrosion noted in the most recent test also warrants a thorough inspection of the nearside sill, outriggers, and cab mountings, as structural corrosion on high-mileage Transits can compromise load-bearing integrity. Suspension wear is another persistent theme, with the offside front wishbone rear bush showing progressive deterioration and both front anti-roll bar linkages flagged as excessively worn in the November 2025 failure. The nearside front track rod end has also shown play across multiple tests, suggesting the steering rack and inner joints may need attention. The braking system itself shows a mixed picture. Rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in December 2023, and a brake pad warning light has been present in every test since, yet no replacement appears to have been confirmed through the record. The offside rear wheel bearing has shown slight play since at least November 2024, and the missing offside rear wheel fixing noted in the November 2025 failure is a serious concern that demands immediate verification. Tyre condition has been inconsistent, with the nearside rear tyre showing exposed ply in the most recent failure and the offside front tyre worn to 2.5mm. These are not minor consumable issues but indicators that basic safety checks between tests may have been neglected. A pre-purchase inspection should include a full suspension and steering component check, a detailed underbody corrosion assessment, and verification that all brake pipes, wheel fixings, and lighting circuits are in sound condition.