2021 Ford Transit Custom 290 Sport Eblue 2.0L Diesel · SC02 ELC

The 2021 Ford Transit Custom 290 Sport EBLUE’s latest MOT test on 2025-10-09 resulted in a clean pass, with no recorded defects, and the vehicle’s maintenance history over the preceding two years remains stable. The absence of failures or repeated advisories since 2024-10-17 indicates consistent roadworthiness compliance, though the single advisory from that test—offside rear tyre wear approaching the legal limit with edge wear—suggests a marginal but manageable condition that should be monitored closely. This is not a failure but a critical advisory warranting prompt attention, as edge wear can accelerate tyre degradation and compromise handling dynamics, particularly at higher speeds or on wet surfaces. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 37,864 miles at the time of this assessment represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 7,573 miles, which is within the expected range for a five-year-old Transit Custom in typical UK conditions. The mileage progression is steady and not indicative of either excessive wear from high mileage accumulation or prolonged idleness, which could otherwise accelerate corrosion or fluid degradation. However, the offside rear tyre advisory suggests that the vehicle has been driven in a manner that has contributed to uneven tyre wear, potentially due to misalignment, suspension issues, or directional stability problems. This pattern may warrant further investigation into the suspension geometry or steering components to prevent further tyre damage. For the prospective buyer, the most critical inspection focus should be the offside rear tyre, as the edge wear advisory points to a need for immediate replacement before the tyre reaches the legal minimum tread depth. During a test drive, listen for any irregularities in tyre noise, particularly on the offside rear, and check for signs of uneven wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension misalignment. Additionally, verify that the vehicle’s steering and suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes, are free from excessive play or clunking noises, as these can exacerbate tyre wear. If the tyre advisory is resolved, the next priority should be a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s brake system, particularly the rear discs and linings, as edge wear can sometimes correlate with brake-related issues such as binding calipers or uneven brake pad wear. Beyond the tyre and suspension, given the vehicle’s age and moderate mileage, the buyer should also conduct a visual and functional assessment of the following components. Inspect the vehicle’s tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even at moderate mileages due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, particularly if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods. Check the 12-volt battery for signs of corrosion on the terminals and cables, as standing vehicles can lead to battery discharge and corrosion over time. Verify that the brake discs, especially the rear ones, do not show signs of corrosion or binding, which can result from prolonged idleness or inadequate lubrication. Lastly, consider the calendar-based servicing of fluids such as the engine oil, coolant, and differential fluid, as these should be replaced according to Ford’s recommended intervals—typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first—due to the risk of degradation from age and temperature cycles. If the service history is sparse, ensure that the vehicle’s service book or digital records are up to date, and confirm that all scheduled maintenance, such as timing belt replacement (if applicable) or suspension component servicing, has been completed.