1998 Ford Transit 2.5L Diesel · S563 AHC
1998 Ford Transit (2.5L, diesel). First registered 24 Sept 1998. Recorded mileage 88,859 miles. MOT expired on 06 Aug 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD TRANSIT
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 06 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 88,859 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
S563 AHC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/08/2025
- 88,859 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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S563 AHC Mileage History
- 20/06/202384,274 mi
- 20/06/202486,530 mi+2,256 mi
- 20/06/202486,530 mi
- 06/08/202588,852 mi+2,322 mi
- 08/08/202588,859 mi+7 mi
Average of roughly 2,147 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S563 AHC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Ford Transit (S563 AHC) between June 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Bodywork (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural ”; “Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective NO IMAGE (4.1.1 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Headlamp lens seriously defective NO IMAGE (4.1.1 (b) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are looking for a project vehicle with significant budget. While the mileage is surprisingly low for the age, the persistent structural corrosion and recurring mechanical neglect make this a high-risk purchase.
The primary focus must be a thorough structural inspection. The MOT history repeatedly notes corrosion on the offside front inner integral, rear cross member, and rear suspension mounting areas. While some areas are noted as 'not significantly reducing rigidity,' the progression of these issues suggests the chassis is thinning rapidly. You should have a professional welder inspect the vehicle to determine the extent of the required repairs.
Mechanically, the vehicle requires immediate attention. There is a documented history of rear brake imbalance and oil leaks from both the engine and differential. Check the service history for any evidence of regular oil changes, as the frequent failures for simple items like bulbs and wipers suggest a general lack of maintenance. Negotiate heavily based on the impending cost of structural work and a full brake system overhaul.
As an older 2.5L diesel, fuel economy will be modest by modern standards, likely averaging 25-30 mpg depending on load. Tax is relatively low for a vehicle of this age, but insurance can be variable depending on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs will likely be high due to the age of the vehicle; expect to replace rubber components, hoses, and suspension bushes that have perished. Estimate your annual running cost including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance at approximately £1,200-£1,500.
Inspect the entire chassis for rust, specifically the offside front inner integral and the rear cross member. The MOT history specifically flagged 'excessive corrosion' on the rear suspension mounting area in 2025, which is a critical safety point. Look for signs of recent welding that might hide deeper rot.
Examine the braking system thoroughly; the vehicle has a history of rear brake imbalance and corroded brake pipes. Also check for oil leaks around the engine and rear differential, as these were noted in recent MOT tests. Finally, verify all lighting equipment and wipers, as these have been frequent points of failure for this van.
This 1998 Ford Transit shows a remarkably low mileage of 88,859 miles for a 28-year-old vehicle. However, the MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of structural decay, particularly in the suspension mounting points and integral body areas. Recent failures related to lighting, braking imbalance, and structural integrity suggest a vehicle that has been maintained with the minimum effort required to pass tests rather than preventative care.
The 2.5L diesel engines in this era are known for longevity if kept maintained, but the chassis is prone to rust if not treated.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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