2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · SM66 NWW

A consistent run of clean MOT passes since 2020 is the defining feature of this Transit's roadworthiness record, but the early-2022 test flagged both front suspension arm pins or bushes as worn, with the nearside reappearing as an advisory in 2021. The four subsequent tests up to the most recent pass on 21 January 2026 have returned no recorded defects, indicating that no tester has since judged those bushes to have deteriorated to advisory level. The minor windscreen damage recorded in 2022 was not repeated in later tests, suggesting it was either repaired or remained stable. The overall trajectory is one of a commercially worked vehicle that has stabilised mechanically after a brief cluster of front suspension advisories, though the absence of repeat advisories does not guarantee the components have been replaced, only that tester assessment has not flagged them. Mileage context is significant here. At 167,288 miles over nine years, the annual accumulation is approximately 18,588 miles, which is high for a vehicle of this age and points to sustained, heavy-duty use consistent with its commercial van classification. The MOT history shows testing in each of the past seven years, so the vehicle has remained in continuous service with no multi-year lay-up that might have produced its own set of corrosion or component seizure issues. High annual mileage of this nature typically accelerates wear on braking consumables, clutch components, dual-mass flywheels, suspension bushes, engine and gearbox mounts, and turbocharger bearings, regardless of what the MOT record is able to detect at the point of test. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension, given the 2021 and 2022 advisories on the arm pin or bush. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and during sharp turns at low speed, and feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response. With the vehicle unladen, push and pull the front wheels at the top and bottom to detect play in the suspension joints, and have the car raised to inspect the rearward bushes for cracking or deformation of the rubber. The high mileage also warrants a focused check of the braking system, which the MOT does not measure for residual service life; feel for any judder under heavy pedal pressure, listen for grinding or squealing, and inspect the discs for lipping and the pads for material depth, as wear items on a high-mileage commercial vehicle may be approaching the end of their useful life. Beyond the flagged suspension items, the continuous-use profile makes a thorough mechanical inspection essential. On the test drive, monitor for any hesitation, smoke from the exhaust, or unusual noises from the engine and gearbox under load, as these are common wear points for a high-mileage diesel of this type. Inspect the underside for any fresh oil residue around the engine sump, gearbox, and differential, and examine the subframe, brake pipes, and fuel lines for corrosion or weeping, particularly given the working-van environment this Transit is likely to have endured. Finally, confirm the timing belt or chain service interval and verify any replacement documentation, as neglect of this item on a high-mileage diesel can lead to catastrophic engine damage, and remember that the MOT record only reflects test-day condition, not the underlying mechanical wear that comes with sustained commercial use.