2019 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · SF68 ATX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive repair pattern rather than preventative care. The most recent test in November 2025 at 169,127 miles passed with only minor cosmetic defects related to discoloured indicators. This follows a period of mechanical instability in 2024 where significant safety failures required immediate attention. While the trend shows temporary stability following these repairs, the frequency of major faults suggests components are reaching the end of their lifecycle. The vehicle exhibits high annual usage for its age, averaging approximately 24,000 miles per year. This rapid accumulation is particularly evident between October 2023 and November 2024, where the van covered over 5,600 miles in just thirteen months. Such high-mile operation places immense strain on the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems. The consistent annual intervals between tests suggest the vehicle is used regularly, likely for long-distance commercial work, which typically accelerates the wear rate on consumable parts compared to lower-mileage examples. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking and suspension systems. The October 2024 failure highlighted excessively corroded brake pipes above the fuel filter, which were subsequently painted in November 2024; an inspector needs to verify that this paint is not merely masking deep structural thinning of the metal lines. Additionally, the nearside front suspension arm ball joint failed in 2024, and previous rear brake issues in 2023 indicate that the braking assembly is prone to binding and failure. Check for play in all suspension bushes and joints to ensure the parking brake remains fully effective, as its previous failure suggests potential issues with the mechanical mechanism.