1998 Ford Transit 2.5L Diesel · R201 EOR

The 1998 Ford Transit remains roadworthy, having passed the most recent test on 8 May 2026 at 64,529 miles with only minor advisories. The maintenance trend is stable but shows persistent light corrosion and wear rather than any deterioration being corrected. Front brake disc pitting and suspension component corrosion have appeared across successive tests without escalating to serious structural failure. Recorded mileage stands at 64,529 against a 28-year lifespan, averaging roughly 2,305 miles per year. The vehicle covered just 1,499 miles between the January 2021 test at 61,530 miles and the April 2024 test at 62,752 miles, then 1,277 miles to May 2026. A three-year gap separates the 2021 and 2024 entries, indicating prolonged periods of little use. Low annual mileage of this kind often allows surface corrosion to develop through standing, as seen on the suspension arms and tail pipe. Recurring front brake disc wear, pitting and scoring featured in every test from 2021 through 2026, though never judged seriously weakened. The buyer should physically inspect the front discs for depth of scoring and measure remaining thickness. Suspension arms on both front corners showed corrosion in 2025 and 2026, with rear suspension damage noted in 2024; a ramp inspection of bushes, mounts and subframe is warranted. Exterior rust appears confined to wheel arches, tail pipe and suspension steelwork rather than load-bearing structure. The April 2024 failure on opaque headlamp lenses and ineffective wipers was rectified the same day, suggesting the prior owner addressed consumables when forced. Verify the registration plate lamp and tail pipe condition from the 2026 advisory, and confirm the headlamp lenses remain clear before purchase.