2008 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · RA57 MXP

This 2008 Ford Transit passed its most recent MOT on 8 September 2025 at 323,175 miles, but the record reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than a stable or improving trend. The vehicle failed just four days prior on the same mileage, primarily for a major exhaust leak at the flexi joint and a leaking offside power steering hose, both of which were evidently rectified for the retest. However, the pass came loaded with advisories. Front brake discs are worn, pitted, and scored. Brake pipes front to rear are corroded and contaminated with grease. Both rear brake discs show similar wear. The nearside inner chassis structure is flagged for corrosion, and the nearside front wheel bearing is noisy with slight play. Play exists in both steering rack inner joints, and the front service brake is fluctuating. The engine oil warning light is on, fluid levels are low across coolant, power steering, and the oil is overfilled. This is not a well-maintained vehicle; it is one that passes on the day with underlying wear left unaddressed. The mileage accumulation is high but consistent with intensive commercial use. From 316,740 miles in August 2023 to 319,472 miles in July 2024, the vehicle covered approximately 2,732 miles in eleven months. That figure then jumps to 323,175 miles by September 2025, representing roughly 3,703 miles in just over a year. The annualised rate sits around 18,000 miles, which is heavy but not unusual for a working Transit. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops in recorded mileage, so the odometer history appears continuous and credible. The concern is not mileage fraud; it is the intensity of use without commensurate mechanical upkeep. A buyer must inspect the underside thoroughly. The recurring corrosion on brake pipes, chassis mounting points, and inner body structure suggests long-term exposure to moisture and road salt without adequate underbody protection. Check the nearside inner structural member specifically, as corrosion there can progress rapidly once integrity is compromised. Examine the exhaust flexi joint closely, a known failure point on high-mileage Transits, and verify whether the replacement was a like-for-like repair or a temporary patch. The power steering system warrants close attention: both the hose and rack inner joints have shown leaks and play across multiple tests, indicating systemic wear rather than a one-off fix. The braking system needs a full strip-down assessment. Worn and scored discs on all four corners, corroded pipework, and fluctuating service brake performance point to caliper issues, contaminated brake fluid, or a failing master cylinder. Front brake pads are wearing thin again, and the wheel bearing play on the nearside front will only accelerate uneven disc wear if left unresolved. Suspension bushes and ball joints on the front axle have been flagged as worn across consecutive years. Test the vehicle under load and listen for clunks over articulation. At 323,000 miles, this Transit has given long service, but the MOT record shows an owner who addressed only what was strictly necessary to pass. Budget for a comprehensive brake overhaul, steering rack inspection, and structural rust treatment before relying on it for daily work.