2011 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · SH61 APO

The most recent MOT test on 2025-04-29 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded at 166,039 miles. However, the immediate preceding test on 2024-04-26—just one day prior to a failure—raises concern over a near-miss on the same date in 2023. The absence of defects in the latest pass suggests any issues were either rectified or non-critical, but the repeated near-failures imply potential underlying problems that may recur. The 2024 failure was not documented with specific faults, which is unusual, but the pattern of consecutive tests on the same date hints at a possible oversight or a component nearing failure. Buyers should treat this as a cautionary trend rather than a clean history. The mileage progression shows consistent usage, averaging around 11,000 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no prolonged gaps or abrupt spikes in mileage, indicating steady operation rather than neglect or aggressive driving. The most notable pattern is the clustering of tests around March and April each year, suggesting the vehicle was likely tested at the same station annually. While this doesn’t inherently signal poor maintenance, it does mean the current MOT is now over a year old, leaving 16,000 miles of untested operation since the last pass. This window alone justifies a thorough inspection of high-wear components. Given the lack of specific failure details, priority should be given to areas commonly overlooked in older vans: the suspension system, particularly coil springs and bushes, which degrade gradually and may not always trigger MOT failures until they become severe. The repeated near-failures could imply brake-related issues, such as worn pads or binding calipers, which might not always be caught in a standard test unless they reach critical thresholds. Structural integrity should also be scrutinised, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the underbody, where corrosion can compromise safety without immediate MOT consequences. A professional inspection of the exhaust system is warranted, as emissions-related faults often go unrecorded until they become overtly problematic. Finally, the condition of the tyres—both tread depth and lateral wear—should be verified, as failing twice on this criterion in prior years suggests basic upkeep may have been inconsistent.