2007 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · NV07 EXL

The 2007 Ford Transit remains roadworthy following its most recent MOT on 16 June 2023 at 173,521 miles, now over two and a half years old. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but reveals a persistent low-level neglect of cosmetic and structural items rather than a pattern of escalating mechanical failures. The tester flagged the same non-obligatory stop lamp and registration plate lamp fault in both the December 2021 and June 2023 tests, indicating these minor electrical defects were left unattended for at least eighteen months. More concerning, the June 2023 report noted sill and arch corrosion alongside an oil leak, albeit assessed as not excessive. These advisories point to long-term underbody exposure without proactive treatment. The mileage accumulation is consistent with typical commercial use for a vehicle of this age. Between the July 2019 pass at 150,031 miles and the June 2023 test at 173,521 miles, the van covered 23,490 miles across nearly four years, averaging roughly 5,873 miles annually during that window. The earlier period from August 2020 at 163,704 miles to June 2023 at 173,521 miles shows 9,817 miles over almost three years, a modest rate that suggests lighter duties or periods of standing. No glaring gaps or sudden spikes appear in the record, though the absence of any MOT entry between June 2023 and today raises the question of whether the van has been in regular use or sitting idle. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection. The repeated identification of sill and arch corrosion across multiple tests signals that structural rust is established and likely progressing, particularly around wheel arches, sill steps, and inner wing seams. Probe these areas carefully with an awl or screwdriver if possible, as surface corrosion on a 19-year-old commercial van can hide deeper section loss. The oil leak noted in 2023 warrants investigation at the engine, gearbox, and differential seals, as even minor leaks on high-mileage diesel vans can escalate into costly failures. Suspension and steering components also deserve close scrutiny. The August 2020 failure for a worn nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover and a rough offside rear wheel bearing suggests the front-end bushes, drop links, and wheel bearings may be approaching replacement again given the age and mileage. Check for play at all four wheels and listen for rumbling during a road test that could indicate bearing wear. Brake condition should be verified on a roller or during a firm road test, given the intermittent stop lamp fault that persisted across two consecutive inspections, potentially masking a wiring or switch issue that also affects brake light operation. Tyre condition and date codes should be checked, as commercial vans of this age often see uneven wear from standing or overloading.