2012 Ford Transit 100 T350 RWD Diesel · NJ62 OWY

The DVSA test record for this 2012 Ford Transit T350 RWD shows a remarkably clean roadworthiness history, with no advisories or component defects flagged across any of the recorded tests, including the latest pass on 17 May 2025. The single failure on 3 October 2022 was followed just seven days later by a pass on 10 October 2022, suggesting a minor rectifiable issue that was addressed promptly rather than a structural or systemic fault. With four consecutive passes and no recorded advisories on suspension, brakes, corrosion, or any other inspected items, the mechanical track record is one of consistent compliance, though the absence of advisories should not be interpreted as proof of pristine condition, particularly for a commercial vehicle of this age and workload. With 139,949 miles recorded over approximately fourteen years, this Transit has accumulated around 10,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working van of its type, though likely on the lower end for a commercial vehicle that may have seen mixed urban delivery and longer motorway runs. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent, with no abrupt jumps that might indicate odometer discrepancy or mixed-use patterns such as private mileage combined with fleet work. For a heavy rear-wheel-drive platform like the T350, this mileage level places wear focus squarely on driveline components, rear axle bearings, clutch actuation, and the braking system, particularly given the additional load-carrying duties inherent to a 100 T350 variant. Given the absence of recorded advisories, attention during a pre-purchase inspection should shift to components that commonly wear on Transits of this age and mileage but may not yet have crossed MOT failure thresholds. The rear leaf springs, bushes, and shock absorbers should be examined for sagging, cracking, or fluid leakage, as commercial load-carrying accelerates fatigue in these parts long before the geometry fails an MOT test. On a road test, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, which can point to worn leaf spring shackle pins, trailing arm bushes, or propshaft centre bearing deterioration typical of higher-mileage RWD Transits. The clutch pedal should be checked for slipping under load or any judder when pulling away in first gear, as the dual-mass flywheel and clutch cover are known wear items that rarely trigger advisory entries until failure is imminent. The braking system warrants close physical inspection despite a clean test history, particularly the rear drums, shoes, and the handbrake mechanism, which on Transits frequently suffer from internal corrosion and cable stretch that do not always result in advisories until the next annual check. The steering rack and PAS pump hoses should be examined for seepage, as fluid loss from the power steering system is a common finding on these vehicles. Underneath, the chassis rails, crossmembers, and outriggers should be examined for any bubbling or perforation corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and jacking points, since body-on-frame commercial vehicles are susceptible to hidden structural rust that a standard MOT inspection may not fully expose. Finally, confirm that the timing belt and dual-mass flywheel replacement intervals have been observed, as these are costly service items on the Transit range that, if neglected, would significantly affect long-term reliability.