2020 Ford Transit Courier 1.5L Diesel · VE20 VOY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 February 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle now meets the statutory safety and emissions requirements. Earlier that same day a failure had been recorded for excessive exhaust emissions and a non‑functioning nearside rear stop lamp, both of which were evidently rectified before the subsequent test. Over the past three years the pattern shows a brief period of non‑compliance that was promptly addressed, followed by three consecutive clean passes, suggesting a stabilising maintenance regime rather than a deteriorating one. At six years old the van has logged 78,246 miles, averaging roughly 13,000 miles per annum. This usage level is higher than the typical 8‑10 000 miles expected for a light commercial vehicle of this age, implying that consumable wear items such as tyre tread, brake pads, clutch plates (if a manual gearbox) and engine oil will have been exercised more heavily. The mileage does not indicate any large gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of storage, so the wear is likely to be progressive rather than sudden, and components that are mileage‑dependent should be inspected for nearing the end of their service life. The recurring emissions failure points to a possible restriction or degradation in the exhaust after‑treatment system, such as a clogged catalyst, failing oxygen sensor, or an engine management fault that is allowing fuel‑rich operation. A prospective buyer should verify that the exhaust system is free of cracks or leaks, that the catalytic converter shows no signs of excessive soot build‑up, and that the engine idles smoothly without hesitation or a rich smell. On a test drive listen for any unusual exhaust notes, monitor for a loss of power under load, and confirm that the nearside rear stop lamp now illuminates correctly and that all other rear‑light functions are operational. If the emissions issue was only temporarily resolved, a diagnostic scan for fault codes and a check of the fuel trim parameters would be prudent. Beyond the specific defects, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant a thorough physical inspection. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes; check the tread depth and consider the age of the tyres, as rubber can perish after six years regardless of mileage. Inspect the suspension components for any play in the ball joints, worn bushings or leaking shock absorbers, and listen for clunks when applying the brakes or driving over bumps. Verify the condition of the brake discs for scoring or rust, and ensure the pads have sufficient material. Test the 12 V battery voltage and look for signs of corrosion on the terminals, especially if the van has spent time idle. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing belt or chain inspections in line with Ford’s service schedule, as time‑based fluid degradation can affect reliability even when mileage appears moderate.