2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · RK67 ASZ

The 2017 Ford Transit presents a pattern of recurring mechanical warnings rather than isolated failures, with the 2025 MOT test being the first full pass after years of persistent advisory flags. Across five consecutive annual tests from 2021 through 2025, the vehicle has accumulated recurring issues including near-side rear tyres worn close to legal limits, worn-off front and rear suspension arm pins and bushes, progressively thinning front and rear brake pads below safe thresholds, and a persistent windshield washer system failure. While the 2025 test resulted in a successful outcome, the absence of new failures does not indicate resolution of the underlying problems, as the same categories of wear have resurfaced repeatedly across different years. The record reveals a vehicle where the dominant deterioration pathways are concentrated in the rear suspension geometry, front tyre tread life, and braking system wear, creating a cumulative degradation profile that requires vigilant management regardless of the most recent passing result. At 201,889 miles after nine years of ownership, the vehicle's utilisation rate averages approximately 22,400 miles per annum, a figure substantially higher than would be expected for a typical passenger van of this age. This elevated mileage accumulation rate places significant stress on the undercarriage, particularly the rear suspension linkages which bear the brunt of the increased load, while also accelerating the consumption of brake pads and tyres. The regularity of the MOT intervals—every September—suggests the vehicle has been serviced on schedule, yet the mileage growth between tests remains steep, indicating either frequent driving cycles or prolonged periods of inactivity followed by sudden bursts of use. Such a usage pattern compounds the wear seen on the rear lower suspension arm bush (noted as worn across 2022–2025) and explains the continued proximity of front and rear tyres to legal tread limits despite the total mileage tally. The specific components flagged throughout the record demand targeted scrutiny during any test drive. The rear lower suspension arm bush shows consistent wear across 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests, meaning the pivot point connecting the rear axle to the frame may exhibit play, uneven weight transfer, or knocks when encountering bumps—a symptom to watch for by listening for clunking sounds over rough sections. Front tyres have repeatedly shown wear on the outer edge (5.2.3 e), suggesting either cornering loads exceeding rated capacity or gradual deflation that has gone undetected; each test should confirm whether the tyres still meet legal minimum tread and display even wear patterns. Brake pad measurements must be verified visually against the 1.5 mm threshold, and the rear disc condition should be assessed for lip depth and warping, particularly given the persistent rear brake pad thinning noted in both 2021 and 2024 tests. Additionally, the windshield washer pump assembly failed in 2020 and has not been replaced, so a leaky washer reservoir or reduced spray pressure could affect visibility in adverse conditions. Finally, the rear tyre inner-edge deterioration reported since 2020 indicates potential structural fatigue in the rubber compound or mounting hardware, warranting a visual inspection for cracks, delamination, or uneven contact patches. Given the persistent nature of the advisories and the high mileage base, this Transit is best viewed as a vehicle requiring immediate attention before acquisition. The rear suspension bush wear represents a clear safety concern that could progress to complete loss of rear wheel articulation under load, especially on rough roads. The front tyres approaching legal limits pose a direct hazard if they continue to degrade, and the combined effect of worn brake pads and lipmed rear discs creates a compounding risk to stopping performance. A prudent buyer should commission a detailed inspection of the rear lower suspension bush pre-purchase, verify brake pad thickness and rotor condition, replace front tyres if inner-edge damage is present, and ensure the windshield washer system functions correctly prior to taking delivery. Without addressing these specific failure modes, the vehicle's roadworthiness will likely decline further, and the cost of remediation could exceed the residual value of the car itself.