2004 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · ND53 YRJ

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, though the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test in February 2024 at 251,109 miles passed with only an advisory for a nearside front tyre worn to the legal limit. This represents an improvement compared to the 2022 test which saw multiple mechanical and safety-related advisories, suggesting that the current owner is addressing specific faults as they are flagged by the tester. At 251,109 miles over 22 years, the Transit averages approximately 11,400 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical working vehicle usage for this age. The mileage accumulation is steady, with roughly 10,000 miles covered between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and approximately 6,000 miles between 2022 and 2023. This consistent use suggests the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, which often helps prevent the degradation of seals and rubber components. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the suspension, as the record shows play in the offside ball joint in 2022 and worn anti-roll bar bushes in 2020. These components are under high stress on high-mileage vans and likely require imminent replacement to maintain handling. The coolant leak noted in 2021 also warrants a thorough check of the cooling system to ensure the engine has not suffered from thermal stress, as recurring leaks in older Transit engines can lead to head gasket failure. The history of minor seat belt damage and inoperative registration plate lamps indicates that minor safety and electrical items have been overlooked until identified during an MOT test. Given the age and mileage, a detailed inspection of the chassis for structural integrity and deep corrosion is essential, as the MOT record does not explicitly detail the state of the frame. The frequent mentions of worn tyres across different years also suggest that wheel alignment should be checked to prevent premature wear on new rubber.