2004 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · NA04 ACF

The most recent MOT test on the 2004 Ford Transit occurred on 2025-08-20, where it passed with several persistent advisories, notably concerning front and rear brake discs showing signs of wear and pitting, though not to a level that compromises braking performance. This follows a pattern of recurring advisories on brake discs, oil leaks, and steering components across multiple MOTs, indicating a maintenance trend that has not significantly improved or worsened over time. The vehicle’s failure in 2025-08-20 was primarily due to tyre defects—near-side front tyre tears and offside rear tyre bulges—which are critical structural failures requiring immediate replacement, as they pose a serious safety risk. While the earlier MOTs show some advisories, the presence of dangerous failures in 2025-08-20 suggests that the vehicle’s condition has not been consistently managed, and the owner should address these issues promptly to restore roadworthiness and prevent further deterioration. The recorded mileage of 197,997 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 22 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 9,000 miles, which is typical for a Transit in its class, especially if driven under mixed conditions including city and highway travel. However, the absence of significantly higher mileage figures over the past few years—particularly the gap between 2021 and 2022—could imply periods of prolonged inactivity, which may have exacerbated wear in certain systems. Standing vehicles are particularly vulnerable to issues such as brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and fluid degradation, as standing fluids can corrode internal components and degrade over time. Additionally, prolonged idling or infrequent use can lead to oil leaks, as seen in the advisories, where central and front oil leaks were noted, potentially indicating worn seals or gaskets that require attention to prevent further contamination of critical systems. Given the recurring advisories on brake discs, which are critical for stopping performance and safety, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of all brake components, including discs, pads, and calipers. During a test drive, listen for signs of uneven brake pedal travel, grinding noises when applying brakes, or a spongy or soft pedal feel, which may indicate warped discs, seized calipers, or hydraulic issues. Inspect the brake discs for excessive warping, scoring, or corrosion, and check for any binding or excessive play in the calipers. The tyre defects from the 2025-08-20 MOT failure must be addressed immediately, with the near-side front tyre and offside rear tyre replaced without delay, as these represent structural failures that cannot be ignored. Additionally, the oil leaks should be investigated to identify the source—common culprits include oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, or worn oil seals—and repaired to prevent further contamination of the engine oil, which could lead to accelerated wear or catastrophic failure. For the steering and suspension system, the advisories on steering rack inner joints and track rod ends with slight play suggest that the vehicle may exhibit increased steering effort or clunking noises during cornering or over bumps. On a test drive, pay close attention to the steering feel—should it feel loose, spongy, or require excessive effort to turn, particularly at low speeds. Listen for clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, which could indicate worn suspension bushes, broken coil springs, or damaged strut mounts. The central prop shaft bearing and offside front track rod end with slight play may also contribute to vibration or uneven handling, so inspect these components for excessive movement or wear. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a comprehensive inspection of the suspension and steering systems is prudent, including checking for signs of rust or corrosion in areas prone to standing, such as the subframe and wheel arches. Finally, the washer fluid deficiency from the 2021 MOT highlights the need to ensure the windscreen washer system is operational, as inadequate washer fluid can impair visibility during rain or adverse conditions. The buyer should also verify that all fluids—oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—are at the correct levels and not showing signs of degradation, as fluid changes are particularly important for a vehicle of this age, especially if it has been in storage.