2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · SM18 FBX

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear worsening trend regarding mechanical wear and corrosion. While it passed its latest test in July 2025 at 115,327 miles, it introduced several new advisories that were not present in previous years. The appearance of power steering seepage and multiple points of brake pipe corrosion indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related degradation is requiring proactive intervention to prevent future failures. At 115,327 miles over eight years, this Transit Custom has averaged approximately 14,400 miles annually, which represents high usage for a light commercial vehicle. The data shows a significant spike in activity between May 2023 and July 2025, where the vehicle covered nearly 30,000 miles in just over two years. This rapid mileage accumulation explains the transition from a clean record in 2023 to the multiple mechanical and wear-related advisories flagged in the 2024 and 2025 tests. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and steering assembly. The recurring corrosion on the nearside rear, offside rear, and central brake pipes noted between 2024 and 2025 suggests the vehicle has been exposed to harsh environments or lacks adequate underbody cleaning. Furthermore, the seepage from the high-pressure power steering pipe identified in the 2025 test needs to be monitored for increasing severity which could lead to steering pump failure. The suspension and alignment also require scrutiny, as the offside front tyre was flagged for uneven wear in both 2024 and 2025. This persistent issue often indicates a tracking fault or worn suspension bushes that have not been addressed. Given the high mileage and the age of the vehicle, the structural integrity of the chassis should be checked for deep rust to ensure the corrosion seen on the brake lines has not migrated to the mounting points.