2012 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · RO12 AON

The 2012 Fiat Ducato shows a history of recurring mechanical and electrical failures that suggest inconsistent preventative maintenance. The most recent test on 31 July 2024 at 101,584 miles passed, but it highlighted a worn offside front lower suspension arm bush and a corroded offside front coil spring. These issues represent a continuation of suspension wear first noted back in December 2021, where the same arm bush was flagged as excessively worn. While the vehicle currently meets roadworthiness standards, the presence of corrosion on the coil spring indicates that structural-related components require close monitoring to prevent future failure. At 101,584 miles over 14 years, the vehicle averages approximately 7,256 miles per year, which is typical for a commercial vehicle of this age. However, the MOT record reveals significant mechanical stress points during its life. In December 2022 at 100,290 miles, the vehicle failed due to a damaged front engine mounting and a defective front lower gearbox mounting. Although these were repaired, these types of mounting failures often lead to vibration and accelerated wear on the drivetrain, especially in a heavy-duty van. The mileage progression is steady, but the frequency of mounting-related failures suggests the vehicle has operated under significant load. Electrical faults and lighting issues are a persistent theme in the service history. Between 2018 and 2021, the vehicle repeatedly failed for inoperative bulbs, registration plate lamps, and incorrect headlamp aim. A particularly concerning entry occurred in November 2018 at 79,024 miles, where the tester found disconnected electrical wiring connectors for the brakes. While these specific safety-critical wiring faults were addressed, the recurring nature of blown bulbs and indicators suggests a reactive approach to basic upkeep rather than proactive care. The braking system has also shown signs of neglect, with the nearside front brake binding noted in both November 2020 and November 2018. Additionally, the vehicle failed its December 2021 test-part due to a major exhaust leak at the front flexi, which indicates high wear on the exhaust system. A buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the current suspension state, the condition of the engine mounts, and the integrity of the electrical wiring to the braking system to ensure the vehicle remains suitable for long-term use.