2023 Ford Transit Custom 300LIMITD Eblue 2.0L Diesel · ST23 FML

The most recent MOT on 7 July 2026 resulted in a failure because the nearside rear tyre was judged to have a cut that exceeded the permissible depth, a defect that is classified as a major safety issue. The test also carried two advisories – a front brake disc that is approaching its wear limit and a light misting of oil from the nearside rear shock absorber – both of which were also noted on the accompanying pass certificate. The presence of the same advisories on successive entries suggests that the vehicle’s routine maintenance has been reasonably consistent, but the tyre failure indicates a lapse in tyre monitoring or a sudden damage event, so the overall trend is mixed: routine wear is being observed but a critical defect has emerged. At three years old the Transit has accumulated 43 680 miles, which works out to roughly 14 500 miles per annum – well above the average for a light commercial vehicle of this age. Such a mileage level points to a vehicle that has been used heavily, likely on a mix of urban deliveries and longer haul runs, and it implies accelerated consumption of wear items such as brake discs, shock absorbers, tyre tread, and engine oil. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, so the high annual usage is genuine rather than a result of long periods of storage, meaning that components will have experienced more cycles of loading and unloading than a lower‑mileage counterpart. A prospective buyer should give the nearside rear tyre an immediate visual and tactile inspection; any cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns should prompt a replacement, as the MOT failure demonstrates that the current tyre no longer meets safety standards. The front brake discs, while not yet beyond the legal limit, should be measured for remaining thickness and examined for scoring or glazing; symptoms such as a pulsating pedal, squealing on light application, or increased stopping distances would indicate that disc resurfacing or replacement is imminent. The rear shock absorber’s oil mist suggests seal wear – on a test drive listen for a soft thump or clunk when traversing bumps, and feel for excessive body roll or uneven rebound, both of which would warrant a rebuild or replacement of the shock and a check of the surrounding suspension bushes and coil springs for corrosion or fatigue. Given the vehicle’s age and high mileage, it is prudent to verify the condition of time‑sensitive items that are not captured by the MOT. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and confirm that it holds charge above 12.6 volts at rest; a battery that has been idle for extended periods can develop internal resistance even if the mileage is high. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of discoloration or particulate contamination, as service intervals are often based on calendar time as well as mileage. Finally, check the under‑body for rust, especially around wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, and ensure that all service stamps in the logbook align with the mileage recorded, as any gaps may indicate missed maintenance that could affect long‑term reliability.