2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · ST18 ABO

The most recent DVSA test on 26 May 2026 resulted in a Pass, although two advisories were issued concerning the offside rear brake disc and pads, noting the disc was worn, pitted or scored and the pads were wearing thin. Looking back through the recorded history, the vehicle has passed every test since 2021, but the advisories reveal a recurring and progressive theme of brake component wear across both axles, with front discs first noted as worn in 2022 and reappearing through to 2023, while rear brake concerns have since escalated from an advisory in 2022 to a major failure item in 2024 for an excessively corroded brake pipe. A further failure occurred on 28 March 2024 due to an offside front brake pipe excessively corroded, which was rectified within days for the subsequent pass on 1 April 2024. Overall, the maintenance trend is broadly stable in terms of keeping the vehicle on the road, but there is a clear pattern of gradual mechanical deterioration in the braking and suspension systems that warrants careful scrutiny from any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 31,725 miles against an eight-year vehicle age equates to approximately 3,966 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a commercial vehicle of this type and suggests either light operational use or extended periods of standing. The MOT history shows a consistent annual test cadence with mileage gaps between tests remaining relatively modest, indicating the vehicle has been used or moved periodically rather than abandoned, but the low annual accumulation means many wear-related components will have aged through calendar exposure as much as through use. This combination of low mileage and advancing age is particularly relevant to corrosion-prone items such as brake pipes, which have demonstrably failed on the offside front, and to suspension bushes and exhaust systems where standing use accelerates rubber deterioration and surface oxidation. Given the recurring brake-related advisories spanning front discs in 2022 and 2023 and now rear items in 2026, a thorough inspection of the entire braking system should be prioritised. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal under firm application, which would indicate the offside rear disc has now progressed beyond advisory wear, and check for any pulling to one side suggesting a binding caliper. Inspect the offside rear pad thickness directly through the wheel if possible and verify whether the scored disc has lipped to a measurable extent, as further deterioration may warrant disc replacement rather than just pad renewal. The previous brake pipe failure on the offside front demonstrates that the hydraulic system is vulnerable to corrosion, so a close visual examination of all visible brake lines, particularly along their length and at any flex point unions, is essential, ideally with the vehicle raised, and budget should be reserved for likely pipe replacement if surface rust is evident. Any uneven tyre wear on the rear axle, as flagged on the nearside and offside rear tyres in 2024, should be investigated by checking rear suspension geometry and tracking. Beyond the recorded defects, the low-mileage, eight-year-old profile demands attention to age-related degradation that MOT testing does not fully cover. Tyres fitted should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking and DOT date codes, as rubber compounds harden with age regardless of tread depth, and the suspension arm rear bush flagged on the offside front in 2024 should be physically checked for slack by rocking the wheel at the relevant corner to detect any clonking or excessive movement. Long periods of standing commonly lead to corrosion on brake disc surfaces and the onset of seized or binding caliper slide pins, so both front and rear discs should be inspected for significant surface rust and the vehicle should be observed rolling freely with the handbrake released to confirm caliper function. The 12V battery should be load-tested or have its resting voltage measured, as batteries deteriorate with calendar age and standing use, while engine coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil should all be considered for replacement on a time basis rather than mileage, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and due for renewal typically every two years regardless of use. Finally, verify the service book stamps and digital service history to confirm that time-based servicing such as cambelt or timing chain intervals, which for many Ford Transit diesel applications fall between five and seven years, has been addressed appropriately given the vehicle's age.