2008 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · ST08 XRB

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 April 2026 returned a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, suggesting the vehicle was presented in a roadworthy condition at that time. However, the history reveals a Pass immediately following a Fail on 10 February 2026, which is a point warranting clarification from the seller. Although no defect categories were recorded against either entry, the failed test would have involved at least one category of failure, and it is advisable to obtain the official VT30 refusal document or speak with the testing station to understand what required rectification before the subsequent pass. Despite this isolated failure, the broader pattern across 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026 indicates a generally stable maintenance profile, with no recurring advisories on items such as brakes, suspension, tyres, or corrosion that would suggest systemic neglect. With 122,390 miles recorded over approximately 18 years, this Transit has averaged around 6,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and likely working history. There is a notable gap in the MOT record between September 2023 and February 2025, during which annual mileage would have accumulated without recorded test oversight, though this is not unusual for older vans that may have been off the road, used on a SORN basis, or simply not presented for testing in a given year. The mileage progression between recorded tests, from 2022 to 2026, appears consistent with moderate commercial or light trade use, and there is no indication of erratic accumulation that might point to clocking or excessive wear. Given the clean advisory record and the age of the vehicle, particular attention should be paid to age-related deterioration rather than purely mileage-related wear. The tyres should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on vehicles of this vintage regardless of tread depth, and a build date earlier than 2016 would mean replacement is advisable. Brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion from standing or infrequent use, so a check for binding calipers, uneven pad wear, and any surface rust or pitting on the discs is essential, along with a test drive to detect brake shudder, pulling to one side, or a spongy pedal. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years, and there is a strong likelihood the original unit has been replaced at least once, though its current state warrants verification. Further inspection should include the condition of the coil springs, suspension bushes, and anti-roll bar links, all of which are common wear points on high-mileage Transits and can produce clonking noises over speed humps or uneven surfaces. Underneath, look for signs of corrosion on the rear axle, subframe, and outriggers, particularly given the model's known susceptibility to structural rust in later years. All fluid services should be confirmed as up to date, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, as calendar-based degradation occurs regardless of mileage covered. Finally, verify a continuous service history with corresponding invoice evidence, confirm the VIN and engine number match the V5C registration document, and ensure all warning lights extinguish promptly on ignition to rule out any underlying electronic or emissions issues that may not have been captured at the time of MOT.