2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · LY18 LXT

The most recent MOT test on 2025-05-27 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on 2025-05-16—just eleven days earlier—was a failure without recorded defects. This anomaly suggests either a minor administrative oversight or a last-minute correction, but no substantive mechanical issues were identified in the final pass. The preceding tests from 2024 and earlier all passed without fail, indicating a stable maintenance record over the past three years. However, the lack of advisories or defects across all tests implies no recurring mechanical trends, though the abrupt retest warrants scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the failure was procedural. The recorded mileage of 136,516 miles over eight years equates to approximately 17,000 miles annually, which is unusually high for a commercial van of this age. Between 2022 and 2025, the vehicle accumulated 41,818 miles in just three years, suggesting consistent heavy use. The gap between tests—particularly the 2025 retest—does not align with typical MOT intervals, raising questions about whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the failure was a procedural error. Such high mileage demands closer inspection of high-wear components, even if no faults were formally recorded. Given the lack of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components prone to accelerated wear at this mileage: rear suspension bushes, which often degrade before showing up in MOT tests, and coil springs for signs of fatigue or corrosion. The brakes, while not explicitly flagged, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle was driven between tests. Additionally, inspect the underbody for corrosion around wheel arches and sills, as high mileage increases susceptibility to structural weakening. The absence of advisories in past tests suggests these areas may have been overlooked, but visual confirmation is essential. Finally, verify the exhaust system for leaks or damage, as emissions systems can fail intermittently without triggering a defect.