2003 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · NX53 JDK

The MOT history for this 2003 Ford Transit reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation and mechanical neglect. While the most recent test in May 2023 at 170,615 miles passed, the vehicle carried multiple serious advisories including slight play in both front wheel bearings, corroded brake pipes, and all six tyres reaching the legal limit. The 2022 test failure at 165,600 miles highlighted severe structural issues, specifically significant corrosion in the integral body sills and suspension mounting points around the front arches. These findings suggest that the structural integrity of the vehicle is compromised, despite subsequent passes following repairs. With 170,615 miles over 23 years, the vehicle averages approximately 7,400 miles per year, which is consistent with a commercial vehicle of this age. However, the record shows a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. For instance, wheel bearing play and brake pipe corrosion were flagged across multiple years from 2021 to 2023, indicating that components were only addressed after becoming defective. The persistent presence of an oil leak noted as far as 2020 suggests a long-standing issue that has not been fully rectified. A buyer should be extremely cautious regarding the corrosion in the pick-up body and structural sills. The 2022 failure specifically identified areas where rigidity of the assembly was significantly reduced, which is a critical risk for a vehicle of this age. Furthermore, the braking system has shown inconsistent performance, with the parking brake only just meeting requirements in 2022 and damaged brake cables noted throughout the history. The damaged driver's seat and multiple holes in the bodywork further indicate a vehicle that has seen heavy use with minimal cosmetic or preventative upkeep.