2009 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · OY59 LLP

A clear pattern of chronic brake wear dominates the MOT history of this 2009 Ford Transit, with advisories for thinning front and rear brake pads appearing in four of the seven recorded tests spanning 2021 through 2026. The most recent examination on 2 July 2026 returned a Pass, though it carried an advisory for rear brake pads wearing thin close to limit, indicating that the consumable wear issue has not been resolved and renewed attention to the braking system will be required by the next test. Front brake discs have also been flagged repeatedly, with pitted or scored surfaces noted on both nearside and offside items in 2023 and again in 2024, alongside fresh front pad advisories in the same years. The single failure, recorded on 20 July 2022, involved a dangerous nearside rear inner tyre with tread depth below the 1.6mm legal minimum, accompanied by a registration plate lamp inoperative Major defect and advisories for additional tyres worn close to limit. This combination suggests that brake and tyre condition monitoring has been an ongoing concern throughout the recorded testing period. Recorded mileage is not available across the MOT entries, which prevents direct calculation of annual accumulation and any potential gaps in usage. With seven tests spread across roughly six years from 2020 to 2026, the vehicle has been presented for inspection on a reasonably consistent basis, although without odometer readings it is not possible to confirm whether the van has been used for heavy commercial duty, light delivery work, or predominantly short local trips. The absence of mileage data is a material consideration in itself, as a prospective buyer cannot verify whether brake component wear aligns with expected mileage accumulation or whether prolonged urban stop-start use, heavy laden operation, or extended idle periods may have accelerated certain mechanical degradations. Inspecting the odometer against any service records or V5 documentation will be essential before purchase. Given the recurring brake-related advisories, a close physical inspection of the front and rear brake assemblies should be the primary focus during any viewing. The front discs should be examined for lipping at the outer edge, excessive run-out measured with a dial gauge if possible, and visible scoring or hot spots, as pitted surfaces noted in two consecutive years can rapidly progress to disc replacement if pad material has already thinned the friction surface. Rear pads flagged as close to limit in 2026 must be measured directly, and the condition of the caliper sliders, guide pins, and handbrake mechanism checked for binding or seizing, particularly on Transits of this era which are known to suffer from rear caliper sticking. On the test drive, any pulling to one side under braking, a soft or spongy pedal feel, judder through the pedal, or scraping or grinding noises from the front wheels would warrant immediate further investigation. Additionally, the nearside rear inner tyre area should be checked closely for uneven wear patterns, as the 2022 dangerous failure and subsequent edge wear advisories may indicate an alignment, suspension geometry, or load-distribution issue that has not been fully rectified. Beyond the brake and tyre concerns, a thorough inspection of the suspension and underbody should be carried out, paying particular attention to the front wishbones, drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, and rear leaf spring shackles and bushes, all of which are common wear items on high-mileage Transits and should be assessed for play, cracking, or corrosion. The underside should be examined for any structural corrosion around the subframe mounting points, outriggers, and sill seams, as commercial use and salt exposure accelerate rust in these areas. Steering should be checked for excessive free play or knocking from the track rod ends, and the front tyres examined for inner-edge wear, which can suggest worn suspension bushes or incorrect tracking. Finally, all exterior lamps, particularly the registration plate illumination, should be verified as functional, given the Major defect recorded in 2022, and the condition of the spare tyre and any replacement items inspected to confirm they meet legal tread requirements before any purchase is committed.