2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · ML67 EAW

The 2017 Ford Transit presented a PASSED MOT on 9 February 2026 with no failures recorded, however four advisories were issued, and on review of the recent test history the maintenance trend shows consistent minor issues that have been steadily accruing rather than resolving. The vehicle has passed every annual test since at least 2022, but the persistent oil leak advisory has now appeared across four consecutive tests, indicating a long-standing seepage that the operator has monitored without resolving. The 2026 test additionally flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit on their edges and the nearside rear tyre for cracking or perishing, alongside the continuing oil leak observation, suggesting that tyre and under-bonnet condition warrant close attention. The lack of any advisory or defect in the 2022 test followed by a steady increase in advisory counts in subsequent years is a modest negative trajectory rather than a stable one, even though no component has yet crossed the failure threshold. With 89,608 recorded miles over approximately nine years, the vehicle is averaging close to 9,956 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working van of this age and consistent with the visible wear pattern in the MOT record. There is no evidence of significant mileage gaps in the tests provided, and the accumulation rate appears steady rather than aggressive, which is reassuring for component longevity on the major drivetrain and suspension assemblies. Even so, the front brake pads and discs were flagged as thinning in 2024 and have likely continued to wear, while the oil leak noted over several years could indicate gradually degrading seals or gaskets. Buyers should be mindful that commercial vehicles of this profile commonly cover high urban mileage with heavy load cycles, accelerating wear on clutches, brakes, suspension bushes, and engine ancillaries regardless of how the odometer reads. Given the recurring oil leak advisory, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the engine bay and underside of the vehicle for fresh oil residue, paying particular attention to the rocker cover gasket, sump, and timing chain area seals, as Ford diesel engines of this generation are known to weep from these points. On a test drive, listen for any unusual engine rattles on cold start, monitor the oil level on the dipstick for signs of top-up frequency, and check for blue exhaust smoke which would indicate oil combustion. The persistent fluid loss, even if classed as not excessive by the tester, will accumulate over time and may eventually reach a level requiring remedial work, so obtaining a recent cambelt or timing chain service history and a clear explanation from the seller regarding the leak origin is prudent. The tyre-related advisories warrant a detailed inspection before purchase. Edge wear on both front tyres typically indicates incorrect tracking, worn suspension components, or uneven loading, and a buyer should look for uneven shoulder wear patterns and check the condition of the front wishbones, drop links, track rod ends, and suspension bushes for play or corrosion. The nearside rear tyre cracking or perishing advisory is a concern given the vehicle age, and any tyre over five years old should be examined for sidewall perishing, as aged rubber can lose integrity even with adequate tread depth. Beyond the recorded items, a vehicle of this vintage and usage profile should also be checked for 12V battery health, brake caliper binding or disc corrosion from standing periods, the condition of the coolant and brake fluid which degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, the state of the dual-mass flywheel if a manual gearbox is fitted, and verification of a complete service book history with stamps at appropriate intervals.