2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · MF67 UML

A clear pattern of premature and uneven front tyre wear defines the mechanical profile of this 2017 Ford Transit. Across the recorded MOT history, near-side and off-side front tyres have repeatedly been flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge, appearing as advisories in 2022 and 2024 and again on the most recent test dated 20 May 2026. That same May 2026 visit resulted in a dangerous failure for an offside rear tyre recorded below the 1.6mm tread requirement, paired with advisories for the nearside front tyre condition and a steering rack exhibiting slight free play detected at the steering wheel. The vehicle subsequently passed a re-test on the same date, retaining only the steering rack advisory, but the underlying issues are not resolved. The recurrence of edge wear over consecutive tests suggests a persistent geometry or suspension component concern rather than isolated tyre ageing, and the steering rack free play compounds concern regarding the front-end integrity of this high-mileage van. At 122,263 recorded miles after nine years, this Transit averages roughly 13,585 miles annually, a figure that places it firmly in the heavy-use commercial category. The MOT record shows continuous annual testing since 2020, with mileage accumulating steadily rather than indicating long periods off the road, and there is no multi-year lay-up history to consider. The high annual accumulation means consumables such as brake friction material, tyres, and suspension bushes have absorbed significant working life, and items like the front brake discs already showed pitting and scoring on their inner faces by September 2020 at the front-end of the available record. Continued heavy use since then makes it reasonable to anticipate that further brake component wear, including potentially the rears, has progressed beyond what was last formally recorded. The cumulative load placed on suspension joints, drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, and steering tie rod ends at this mileage band is substantial and warrants direct attention on inspection. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front tyre edge wear should prompt a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry before purchase. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which can indicate worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or top mount failures common to Transits of this age and mileage. Pay particular attention to any steering wander, pulling to one side under braking, or a loose or notchy sensation around the straight-ahead position, all of which would corroborate the recently recorded steering rack free play. Inspect the front tyres physically for uneven shoulder wear indicating camber or tracking misalignment, and verify whether a four-wheel alignment has been recently carried out, because continuing to fit new tyres without addressing the underlying geometry will simply repeat the advisory cycle. The offside rear tyre dangerous failure also requires confirmation that a matching quality replacement has been fitted across both sides and that the spare wheel condition is known. The brake system requires equal scrutiny given the earlier disc advisories and the high mileage. Request sight of any invoices for brake work carried out since 2020 and verify the condition of the front pads, calipers, and slide pins, as binding or seized calipers are a known wear item on Transits and will accelerate both disc scoring and uneven tyre wear. On the test drive, listen for any grinding noises, feel for pedal pulsation indicating disc run-out or hot spots, and check whether the vehicle pulls markedly under steady braking. Inspect the visible brake pipes, flexible hoses, and rear drum or disc assemblies for corrosion, particularly given that this is a working vehicle likely to have seen winter road salt exposure. Finally, raise the vehicle to inspect the underside for any oil leaks from the engine or transmission, examine the subframe and suspension mounting points for surface corrosion, and check the condition of the steering rack gaiters themselves, as a perished boot combined with the recorded free play would suggest the steering wear is progressing and likely to be flagged more seriously at the next MOT.