2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · RO55 RWS

This 2018 Ford Transit Custom presents a broadly stable MOT record, with the most recent test on 5 November 2025 returning a clean pass accompanied by a single advisory concerning slight damage and perishing on the offside rear outer tyre wall. Across the documented history, the van has avoided any structural or corrosion-related advisories, which is a positive indicator for a commercial vehicle now approaching eight years of service. The only outright failure on file dates to 28 February 2023, comprising a major defect for a non-functioning offside dipped-beam headlamp and a minor defect for an inoperative offside registration plate lamp. Both items were rectified and the vehicle passed an MOT on the same date shortly after, suggesting a prompt and competent repair rather than a deeper underlying electrical concern. The 2024 test added a brake pad advisory on the front axle, and with the current mileage of 115,336, that wear item is likely to have progressed and warrants close attention. The mileage profile is notably high for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 14,400 miles per year, which is consistent with sustained commercial or fleet operation. There is a gap of roughly fifteen months between the October 2021 test and the February 2023 test, during which no MOT was recorded, though this is more likely explained by a valid certificate remaining in force rather than the vehicle being off the road. The jump from the 2023 test to the November 2025 test implies a substantial accumulation of mileage in that window, putting increased demand on wear components such as clutches, dual-mass flywheels, suspension bushes, and braking hardware. High annual mileage in a Transit Custom of this generation typically accelerates wear on front brake discs and pads, wishbone and trailing arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and the timing chain or belt service items, all of which merit scrutiny at this mileage band. On inspection, particular attention should be paid to the front braking system given the 2024 advisory. Check the thickness of the front pads and the condition of the discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion, as heat-cycling under heavy load can lead to disc runout and brake judder under firm pedal application. Examine the offside rear tyre wall closely for any progression of the cracking flagged in November 2025, as perishing spreads with age and exposure, and confirm even tread wear across the axle. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn top mounts, wishbone bushes, or anti-roll bar links – all common high-mileage wear points on the Transit Custom platform. Steering should remain precise without excess play, and the clutch should engage smoothly without slipping under load, as dual-mass flywheel replacement is a significant cost on these vehicles at this mileage. Finally, verify the operation of all exterior lighting, particularly the offside headlamp dipped beam and registration plate illumination, to confirm the 2023 failure has not recurred and that no underlying wiring or connector corrosion has developed. Inspect the underbody, subframe, and suspension components for any surface corrosion or structural advisory-worthy damage, as the MOT record shows no such findings to date but a high-mileage commercial vehicle can develop rust in vulnerable areas such as the wheel arches, sills, and brake pipe runs. Listen on startup for any timing chain rattle from the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, which is a known concern on higher-mileage examples, and check for blue smoke on overrun or excessive black smoke under load. The combination of a clean structural MOT history and a high annual mileage figure points to a vehicle that has been working hard but maintained to a passable standard, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the brake, suspension, and drivetrain items highlighted above would be strongly advisable.