1997 Ford Transit 2.5L Diesel · P401 EGM
1997 Ford Transit (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/01/1997. Recorded mileage 83,163 miles. MOT valid until 03/05/2027. Taxed until 01/11/2026.
- Make & Model
- FORD TRANSIT
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03/05/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/11/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 83,163 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 2496cc
P401 EGM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/05/2026
- 83,163 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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P401 EGM Mileage History
- 12/09/202283,035 mi
- 04/10/202383,139 mi+104 mi
- 03/03/202583,152 mi+13 mi
- 05/03/202583,152 mi
- 05/05/202683,163 mi+11 mi
Average of roughly 35 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
P401 EGM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Ford Transit (P401 EGM) between September 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 05 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (9 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 24 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This 1997
If you are considering this vehicle, you must budget for significant maintenance. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of corrosion affecting brake pipes, suspension components, and the general underbody. You should negotiate the price downwards to account for the likely need for structural or component-level rust remediation.
Request a detailed service history to see if the oil leak noted in 2023 or the brake pipe issues have been professionally addressed. Given the age of the vehicle, verify the condition of all rubber components, as the MOT history has flagged perished bushes and cracking tyres in the past.
As a 2496cc diesel vehicle from 1997, running costs will be influenced by its age and commercial nature. Fuel economy will depend heavily on load and driving style, but expect typical diesel van figures. Tax and insurance groups for a 1997 Transit are generally moderate, though insurance can vary based on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the documented history of corrosion and mechanical wear in the braking and suspension systems. You should expect frequent visits to the garage for component replacements related to the issues identified in the recent MOT tests.
A thorough inspection of the underbody is critical. The MOT history has repeatedly flagged 'general underbody corrosion', 'corroded brake pipes', and 'corroded suspension'. You should look closely at the chassis, brake lines, and power steering hoses for signs of structural decay or leaking fluid.
Additionally, inspect the braking system and suspension. The records show recent failures and advisories for worn/pitted brake discs, corroded brake pipes, and worn anti-roll bar linkage pins/bushes. Check the propeller shaft joints and the condition of the exhaust, as these have been noted as worn or leaking in previous years.
This 2.5L diesel Ford Transit has covered 83,163 miles since its first registration in January 1997. While the mileage is relatively low for its age, the MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of underbody corrosion, brake pipe degradation, and suspension wear. Recent tests indicate that several issues, particularly regarding corrosion and braking components, have recurred or appeared in multiple consecutive inspections.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 74.4% average MOT pass rate, with corrosion and headlamps being common failure reasons.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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